Even though it’s a pretty short book, we’ve spent a LOT of time on Of Mice and Men! Too much! It’s time to wrap it all up, though, with a SUPER FUN essay!
OK, nothing about the book is particularly “fun,” but it’s important and you shouldn’t find it too difficult if you follow the directions that we’ve already gone over!
Remember the Flocabulary videos we watched about writing a thesis and writing a 5 paragraph essay? You should be able to find those in the Robson213Files folder if you want to review (recommended.)
You already wrote an essay about dress codes (you did finish that, right?) Check your Drive or DropBox folder for the “marked work” folder and look at your essay. I put a whole bunch of comments on most of them. Read those!
Remember that essays are NOT written in the FIRST PERSON! Do not use the word “I” in your essay! They are also based on FACTS, not opinions! Yes, you are carefully choosing those facts, but don’t be overly dramatic and don’t make it sound like a personal opinion!
Here’s a fun little review activity for the book. Skip the Starter Activity (unless you’re well versed in Australian slang!) and jump to the “Main Session.” Use the “Plenary” to help plan the essay that you could write!
Whichever topic you pick, make sure that you PLAN IT OUT FIRST! Show me a thesis and topic sentences! If we get those planned well, writing the essay is MUCH EASIER and your mark ends up being MUCH BETTER!
Here is an easy essay topic for you about whether George did the right or the wrong thing in the end. You can choose to use this topic if you wish. Even if you don’t, READ THE INFORMATION in the document! Essay Information
Other topics:
There are at least two big events/stories in the beginning of the book that directly parallel what happens to Curley’s wife and Lennie at the end. There are other examples of foreshadowing as well. Discuss how the author uses foreshadowing in the book.
This book contains a few key marginalized characters. Discuss how society at the time treated the groups and people represented by Crooks, Curley’s wife, and Lennie (perhaps Candy, too.) Think about what makes those people different and how they’re treated as a result.
Loneliness is a major theme in the novel. Choose 3 characters and show how loneliness affects them. Use direct references to the book to illustrate why they’re lonely and how it impacts their lives.
Dreams/ambitions are also a theme of the book. There are a few characters who had big dreams and ambitions but ended up stuck on the ranch anyway. Discuss their dreams, why they ended up stuck on the ranch anyway, and how it’s impacted them. (hint: try George/Lennie, Curley’s wife, and Curley.)