In the virtual notebook, I placed the definition of the literary genre of "naturalism" and discussed naturalism as an offshoot of realism. I further reiterated in the notebook two themes: the American Dream and Loneliness. Bobby then discussed the major characters,Candy,Crooks, Lennie ,and Curley's wife as people society considers "outsiders'" or "weak". We analyzed how each of these characters is considered weak due to race ,age , or disability . Bobby further located textual support illustrating the theme of loneliness. We discussed how Crooks,as the only Black person on the ranch, is ostracized and isolated and how likewise Curley's wife ,the only woman on the ranch, longs to talk with anyone who will listen . In contrast, we examined how George and Lennie have a deep connection that allows them to escape the loneliness of life. For homework read the next 11 pages and prepare for a Ch 4 quiz.