Of Mice and Men Essay Topics
Writing Prompts
Choose
one of the following topics for your essay:
1. Analyze the theme, the
inevitable failure of the American Dream, in Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men. Analyze the dream of
living off the “fatta of the land” and how it influences the characters in the novel
(George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, or Curley’s wife). What does Steinbeck say
about the impossibility of the American Dream through these characters? At the
same time, what is the power of the dream, even if it is fruitless? Use direct
quotations and specific examples to support your views.
2. Compare and contrast George and Lennie.
How are they similar? What are their central differences? How does Stein beck
set them up as foils, being perfectly opposite. What does each gain from the
other?
Pre-writing
Once you have chosen your essay
topic, look at the corresponding number below and follow the directions.
1. Before you begin writing,
get some of your ideas onto paper. Jot
down quick answers to the questions in the writing prompt. Spend a lot of time
thinking about how the dream for a better life and its ultimate failure forms a
central theme in the novel. You may organize your thoughts in list form or in a
cluster (web). Begin looking for quotations and evidence to support your
opinions. Write them down. Begin thinking about how to organize your ideas;
what should you write about first? Then begin thinking about the best order to
present topic. Make an outline and see me for approval or for help.
2. Make a T chart showing the main differences
and similarities between the two. Choose the most important differences and
similarities. Write down some ideas about what themes are developed through
their comparison. Look at the sample outline and fill in traits and quotations
for it.
Due Dates: Pre-writing:
First
Draft:
Second
Draft:
Final
Draft: Tuesday, November 18