Ofand

For this unit we are going to try something new. Each of you will choose ONE question from any section of the novel. You will present your response to the class. As you present, you will also need to do the following:

1.  Provide two pieces of specific text evidence (be ready to read an excerpt of the text to the class). 10 pts and explain how the text evidence supports your claims. 10 pts

2.  Make a historical connection for the class- you may do your own research or use evidence from The Harvest Gypsies. 10 pts

3.  Ask the class one question that generates some form of discussion/written response. This question should relate to the theme, issue, character analysis, setting analysis or historical context that you referenced in your response. 5 pts

Of Mice and Men

Section I pages 1-16, Section II pages 17-37

1.  How does Steinbeck introduce us to Lenny and George? Does he use any specific rhetorical devices to set the two men apart?

2.  Describe some of the particular quirks Lennie has?

3.  How is the setting important to the development of the plot?

4.  Why does the dream provide the reader with context about the time period in which the story takes place?

5.  Why doesn’t Curley’s wife have a name?

6.  Why put Curley in the story? What contrasting purpose does he serve?

7.  Besides being a place to live, how does the little piece of land that George and Lennie want to own represent freedom to them? Even though they have freedom to work where they choose, do you think that they are really free? Explain.

Of Mice and Men

Section III 38-65, Section IV 66-83

1.  Why was it inevitable that Curley would fight Lennie? Did Lennie react in the manner you thought he would?

2.  How does Steinbeck’s description of the setting in the bunkhouse and on the farm set the mood for parts of the story?

3.  Is Crooks a migrant worker like Lennie and George? What in Steinbeck’s description gives us clues about Crook’s life?

4.  Why might Steinbeck include the killing of Candy’s dog in the story?

5.  How does Curley’s wife treat Crooks different than the other men? What specific comments does she make that reference her feelings?

See Other Side

Of Mice and Men

Section V 84-98 Section VI 99-107

1.  How does Steinbeck construct loneliness in the story? What might have been the cause of the loneliness the characters felt?

2.  Who is responsible for Curley’s wife’s death? Defend your answer with text evidence.

3.  What argument does Steinbeck make about migrant workers during this time period? Is his perception valid?

4.  Do you think Lennie, George and Candy would have ever achieved their “dream”? What evidence from the text makes you feel the way you do? What were Steinbeck’s views on this?

5.  Was Lennie’s death a mercy killing? Defend your answer.

6.  Create a SOAPSTone analysis of the novel.

7.  Defend, qualify or challenge Steinbeck’s style…he is a classical American writer who was heavily lauded. Does he deserve this?