Answer:
The trip could take up to two weeks.
Most passengers traveled in steerage.
Steerage was a crowded lower section of the ship.
Many steerage passengers caught illnesses.
Hope this helps.
Most likely because it appeals to the credibility of the author.
Lennie is a lot bigger and stronger than George, so his strength helps a-lot. George on the other hand is the brains of the two. The only way Lennie gets a job is through George because he’s not a bright fella and George gets the job because of Lennies strength