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.

Today’s Agenda:JournalNotes and intro to Steinbeck and Of Mice and Men.

Begin reading.

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

John Steinbeck:Monterey and Salinas, Calif.Migrant farm workersBIG supporter of the poor, the outcast, the outsider, and society’s misfits.

Noble Prize winner, 1962Negative portrayal of women (except for Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath)

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 peopleMen might refer to strong peopleStory deals with both weak and

strong people. (Physically and emotionally).

Setting and Other Facts:Novel first published in 1937Story set in 1930’s, during the Great Depression

South of Soledad, California

Characters:Lennie GeorgeCurly Curley’s wifeCandy CrooksSlim CarlsonThe boss Aunt ClaraWhit

Themes:The predatory nature of human

existenceFraternity and the idealized male

friendshipThe impossibility of the American DreamThe sense of moralityDignity and prideHopes and dreamsloneliness

Symbols and Motifs:George and

Lennie’s farmThe puppyCandy’s dog

The corrupting power of women

Loneliness and companionship

Strength and weakness