Why is George initially concerned with the sleeping arrangements?
A He doesn’t like how much light comes through the window and hits his bed
B He’s worried the bed might be infested with bugs and disease
C He doesn’t want to sleep near Curley
D The bunk house seems crowded
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. The bunk house seems crowded.
In Of Mice and Men, George is initially concerned about the sleeping arrangements because the bunkhouse is cramped and filled with other men. This space is not only physically uncomfortable but also represents a lack of privacy and personal space, which is important to George. George and Lennie, who travel together as migrant workers, have always had to deal with subpar living conditions, but the crowded nature of the bunkhouse makes George uneasy. He values the sense of camaraderie and partnership he shares with Lennie and is always mindful of their need to maintain a certain level of peace and order, something that could easily be disrupted in such a confined space.
In addition to this physical discomfort, George knows that the cramped nature of the bunkhouse can also lead to social tensions. The workers in the bunkhouse are often isolated, lonely, and prone to conflict, making it an environment where tempers could flare. George’s concern is not just about the immediate discomfort but also the potential for negative social dynamics. Throughout the novel, George is protective of Lennie, and this concern with the living arrangements reflects his desire to shield him from the rough realities of the world around them.
The cramped conditions of the bunkhouse symbolize the harshness and transience of the migrant worker lifestyle. George and Lennie’s dream of owning a piece of land stands in stark contrast to this reality, highlighting their desire for a more secure and peaceful life. The crowded bunkhouse serves as a physical and symbolic reminder of their current limitations.