Background info was introduced.
There will only be one assignment for this book--and we will center our class discussions around these topics. Here is the assignment and the topics:
TOPICS - OF MICE AND MEN
- Pick ONE topic only, and answer the question using details, facts, and examples from the story!
- Yes - three points, five paragraphs. 1-1/2 to 2 pages, double spaced, MLA format.
1.) Setting - Discuss the setting of this novel. Why is the time setting crucial to your understanding of George and Lennie's lifestyle?
2.) Troublemakers - Discuss Curley and his wife as trouble makers in the story. In what ways did they generally cause trouble and in what ways did they cause trouble for George and Lennie?
3.) Prosecuting Attorney - George is on trial. Your job is to prove that George is guilty of murder and that no circumstances justify the killing of Lennie. What evidence did the witnesses to the story (including George himself) give to support the prosecution? Prepare your closing statement - the speech you will give to the jury summarizing your case.
4.) Defense Attorney - George is on trial. Your job is to prove that George is NOT guilty of murder. You need to help the jury to believe that special circumstances justified the killing of Lennie Small. What are the circumstances? What evidence did the witnesses to the story give to lead to an acquittal? Prepare your closing statement - the speech you will give to the jury summarizing your case.
5.) The Theme of the American Dream - Everyone has a dream to strive for. The poor ranch hands wish to be their own bosses and actually have stability. What circumstances in the story prevent them from realizing their dreams?
6.) The Theme of Loneliness - Throughout this novel, a main quality of most of the characters was loneliness. Novels set in the West often feature the kind of character known as a "loner." Is it the same? Do the characters in Of Mice and Men enjoy being alone? How do they seek to overcome their loneliness? Consider especially Crooks, Candy, and Curley's wife.
7.) Friendship as a Theme - Everyone needs someone to make them feel special. A basic human requirement is the need to belong to someone and belong somewhere. How is this shown in the novel?
8.) Dreams -The term "dreamer" is often used as a word of mockery or condemnation, yet dreams are a necessary part of life. What are the dreams of the various characters in the novel - Lennie, George, Curley's wife, Crooks, and the others - and how do these dreams help or hinder them in their daily lives?
9.) Foreshadowing - Foreshadowing - having early events or descriptions in the story give hints about what will happen later - is used a great deal in Of Mice and Men. Discuss the many instances of foreshadowing in this novel. How effective is the use of foreshadowing in this story? Is it overused?
10.) Lennie and Animals - Throughout the story, Lennie is compared to or associated with animals. Discuss these comparisons and associations, and draw a conclusion as to why Steinbeck used them.
