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Exploring Themes and Characters in Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men"

This lesson focuses on evaluating the characters, themes, symbols, and motifs present in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men." We will analyze how these themes reflect the human condition as depicted through Steinbeck's narrative. The agenda includes an introduction to Steinbeck, a discussion on job choices for individuals living alone, and a reading session. Key characters such as George, Lennie, and Curley will be examined alongside central themes like the American Dream, loneliness, and fraternity.

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Exploring Themes and Characters in Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men"

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  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

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