Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck

Transcription

1 Novel Study Components Preface What is the relationship between the "life and times" of the author and the novel? (How did Steinbeck's life and the time period he live in contribute to the writing of the novel? How much of the author is reflected in the novel; how did the time period influence his writing?) This is a research/inquiry based assignment, using an essay format with footnotes and a bibliography. Prepare a biographical report of the author: "life, times, experiences, and personal views of his world. Assignment 3 "A Biography of the Author" Prepare a report which provides clarity for the reader of the time period in which he lived. Make sure to be specific as to the times and places, events and people that influenced the development of the author. Some other topic areas that may be included in this report are: social values, economic conditions, religion, justice, government -laws and policies, social assistance programs, education, jobs and the work force, living conditions, etc. In other words, in Steinbeck's life, how did people view themselves, their world, and the world around them? Assignment 2 "The World of John Steinbeck" In order to write a biography, you must know the conventions required. Therefore, research and submit a report which explains what a biography is and what components must be included in a biography. Make sure that you have a bibliography of at least 3 different sources, properly formatted. All sources must have an author so do not use the web as an encyclopaedia. Assignment 1 'Writing a Biography" Therefore, the study of Mice and Men will include several research based assignments. In order to understand a novel, one must understand both the author as well as the time period in which they lived. The author's writing has been influenced by such factors as his own life experience as they develop into adulthood and are reflected in their writing. These life experiences include the family, school, work experiences, the social values, customs, and values of their time period. Fiction is often a thinly veiled representation of the author's reality and reflects their views, often critical of these customs, values, and injustices. Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck

2 1. Define the following terms (hand in assignment): 3. End product: from the "Writing Process Products" choose 2 projects that interest and challenge you. A proposal from you and approval from me will be required prior to starting the projects. Use the hyperlink in my archives to assist in writing a proposal, if you have not picked up a hard copy in class. 2. Chapter questions as provided need to be submitted along with any terms from found in the chapter from #2. Motif- Theme- Idiom- Allusion- Metaphor- Symbolism- Characterization- Assignment 4

3 Of Mice and Men: Chapter Questions Answer the following questions in complete sentences, paying close attention to all aspects of grammar, usage, and punctuation. Chapter 1 1. Note the first two introductory paragraphs. Steinbeck describes the area before introducing his two main characters. What mood does the passage create for the reader? 2. George keeps telling Lennie how much he could do without Lennie hanging around. Do you find George convincing? Why or why not? 3. In your own words, explain how George and Lennie believe themselves to be different from the other ranch hands. Chapter 2 4. What is the attitude of the men in the bunkhouse toward the stable buck, who is a Negro? Referring to Ch.4, what is Crooks' attitude to the white ranch hands? 5. How does the boss treat George and Lennie? What does Candy say about the boss before he comes in? Do you agree with Candy's appraisal? 6. Why doesn't George let Lennie answer questions for himself? 7. What is the difference between the kind of fighting Curley engages in as opposed to Lennie? 8. Note George's words to Lennie regarding Curley. Why would he think that Lennie is going to have trouble with Curley? Chapter 3 9. George explains his relationship with Lennie to Slim. Describe, in your own words, how George treated Lennie at the beginning of their relationship and what cased George's attitude towards Lennie to change. 10.How can you tell that Slim is sympathetic to Lennie? (What things does he say to show his sympathy for the man?)

4 22.When does the reader realize that George is going to kill Lennie? 21. How do you think George manages to separate himself from the group and get to Lennie on his own? 20.What kinds of things does the giant rabbit tell Lennie? 19.Lennie "sees" his Aunt Clara. What does she tell Lennie and how does he reply? Chapter 6 18.Curley's wife is no longer looking for Curley when she comes to talk to the men in Crooks' room or when she speaks to Lennie in the barn. What reason does she give in both these 17. During the conversations in his room, Crooks changes from not believing the dream of the ranch could ever come true to wanting to be a part of it, than to saying he wouldn't really be interested. Use what you know about Crooks and his position among the men to explain his two shifts in opinion. Chapters "It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger." (p. 82) What is it that gives Crooks pleasure, even though he tries to pretend anger? Why world he bother pretending? 15.Recount in your own words what Crooks tells Lennie about loneliness and the need of one man to have another to talk to. 14.Lennie doesn't seem to be insulted when Crooks is not very hospitable. Why not? Chapter 4 13.What does Candy say should have been done differently in the shooting of his old dog (p.67)? 12.Steinbeck says (p. 66), "This thing they never really believed in was coming true." What does "this thing" refer to? To what extent is the statement about not believing true for Lennie? To what extent is it true for George? 11.Although George says that he and Lennie are saving their money to set up a stake, he agrees to spend money on a good time in town. How does he justify this to Whit?

5 The essay thesis: Explain how Steinbeck developed the theme(s) in the novel. "The American Dream" = life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is not at reality for the majority, but a misguided, untenable (unreachable) reality for the vast majority of Americans, especially during the Great Depression. The essay will follow the format guidelines established in the essay booklet. It will also include an Appendix which will contain visuals which add clarification to the text based portion of the essay. Finally, the essay will conclude with a properly formatted Bibliography.

6 The central, and biggest, moral issue of the book is confronted at this point of the book. Does George, or anyone else for that matter, have the right to kill Lennie, even though he was a murderer? The popular saying about this type of issue is, two wrongs don't make a right. This is true when it comes to the conflict. George would become just as guilty as Lennie if he were to murder Lennie, which he does, even if he did it in everyone's best interest. Murder is never justified. Obviously, George felt that he did the right thing in killing Lennie, and doing it took courage. But sincere people can be dead wrong. Lennie should have been brought to the police for a fair trial. The ones who were hunting the murderers became murderers themselves. They didn't have the right to kill Lennie. Of Mice and Men deals with many facets of human responsibility and love. The main moral conflict deals with George's responsibility to Lennie, and to the rest of the group. We know that Lennie is prone to killing things, and George has to keep constant watch over him to make sure he does not hurt or kill anyone or thing. While George was playing horseshoes with his coworkers, Lennie kills Curley's wife by breaking her neck. As George, Curley, and the rest of the group try to find Lennie, he escapes to a river. George eventually does find him. George knows he has two choices to make: kill Lennie and save him from what would happen to him at the hands of the others, or let him live and see what happens. After they talked, George eventually killed him. Lessons, Morals, And Applications Man Vs Society Man Vs Himself Friendship Power Loneliness Loyalty and Sacrifice Dreams Major Conflicts & Themes

7 A final written component, an essay, will be handed in at the time of presentation. The essay the theme and how the author's use of literary devices contributed towards thematic development in Of Mice and Men. In order to do this assignment, you will need to: 1. keep note of the litera devices used by the author in each chapter an - - I as to their purpose. 2. You will also need to keep track of the images that you "see" as you read. Record these images - ; later you will be recreating these images and including them in your Visual Gallery. As you read, think, imagine and visualize during Of Mice and Men, keep an This gallery may be created manually (fortunate for you artists), or electronical ly. You will present your g allery along with an explanation - - of what inspired you, what captured your imagination and why you chose these images. Keep in mind that J-X imagery will appeal to two primary types of thinkers: the concrete andthe abstract.

8 Task: create a multimedia project based on the novel Of Mice and Men. 1. convey the plot without retelling the story 2. to show the use of the E of F 3. sounds: m(sounds that pierce the facades that characters may be playing in their roles (persona), foreshadowing sounds: screams, gunshots, mice, rabbits, puppy, laughter( 2 faces of) 4. music (lyric compatibility) enhancement of mood/tension 5. very selective use of visuals: intention? (background, mood, tension, abstract and concrete) 6. clarity: do not make the audience "guess" at what your intent is 7. literary devices: foreshadowing, imagery (of setting, charactermood/tone related), pathetic humour, satire, irony, symbolism, metaphor, 8. keep the audience enthused, alert, mentally stimulated 9. do we "see" and understand the perspective of the author 10.concluding the MM presentation??? "dead end" or... Product Expectations: Method: use visuals and sounds, with only a minimal amount of text. You may choose to produce your end product through non electronic means as an alternative. Purpose: to explain the theme, the author's use of the elements of fiction, and the use of literary devices, inherent in the novel. The plot will be evident to the audience in the mm project. 9A/B