coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water. In front of the low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there is an ash pile made by many fires; the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it. Evening of a hot day started the little wind to moving among the leaves. Te shade climbed up the
hills toward the top. On the sand banks the rabbits sat as quietly as little gray sculptured stones. And then from the direction of the state highway came the sound of footsteps on crisp sycamore leaves. Te rabbits hurried noiselessly for cover. A stilted heron labored up into the air and pounded down river. For a moment the place was lifeless, and then two men emerged from the path and came into the opening by the green pool.
1. EXPLORE
2. 3.
Below you see an image of the setting of this opening scene in Of Mice and Men. Pick out words and phrases from the extract above that you feel have been represented in this opening scene, according to the photograph.
Paragraph 1 and 2 feature a lot of powerful adjectives. Write down the five best examples that describe the setting.
Paragraph 3 uses powerful verbs. Write down the five best examples that describe the setting.
Now you will read a second extract from the novel. Here, the two main characters are introduced. Think about how Steinbeck reveals clues about their personalities.
