Tragic Riverbank

Worksheet Description

The novel closes at the riverbank where it began, creating a circular structure. Lennie, hiding, hallucinates visions of Aunt Clara and a giant rabbit that mock his fears, symbolizing guilt and hopelessness. George retells their dream before shooting Lennie, sparing him from Curley’s mob. The story ends on a somber note, reflecting on mercy, loyalty, and the collapse of the American Dream.

Students build skills in recognizing narrative structure and symbolism. They interpret hallucinations as reflections of Lennie’s fears and George’s actions as both protective and tragic. This pushes them to analyze complex moral choices within the novel. Overall, the worksheet develops comprehension, interpretation, and the ability to reflect on lasting thematic messages.