5-2-12 Objectives:

1. 5-2-12 Objectives: • To evaluate characters, themes, symbols, and motifs in Of Mice and Men. • To analyze the way in which the themes represent the view of human condition, as seen through the eyes of John Steinbeck.

2. Today’s Agenda: • Journal • Notes and intro to Steinbeck and Of Mice and Men. • Begin reading.

3. 5-2-12 Journal: • Discuss job/career choices that are perfect for a person who is single, alone, or without a family.

4. John Steinbeck: • Monterey and Salinas, Calif. • Migrant farm workers • BIG supporter of the poor, the outcast, the outsider, and society’s misfits. • Noble Prize winner, 1962 • Negative portrayal of women (except for Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath)

5. Title: • Of Mice and Men comes from Robert Burn’s poem “To A Mouse”. • “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. • Mice might refer to weak people • Men might refer to strong people • Story deals with both weak and strong people. (Physically and emotionally).

6. Setting and Other Facts: • Novel first published in 1937 • Story set in 1930’s, during the Great Depression • South of Soledad, California

7. Characters: Lennie George Curly Curley’s wife Candy Crooks Slim Carlson The boss Aunt Clara Whit

8. Themes: • The predatory nature of human existence • Fraternity and the idealized male friendship • The impossibility of the American Dream • The sense of morality • Dignity and pride • Hopes and dreams • loneliness

9. Symbols and Motifs: • George and Lennie’s farm • The puppy • Candy’s dog • The corrupting power of women • Loneliness and companionship • Strength and weakness