The novella 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck, published in 1937, follows the journey of George Milton and his friend Lennie Small as they seek work on a ranch in California. The story explores themes such as the American Dream, friendship, and the harsh realities of life, highlighting the unique bond between George and Lennie amidst societal struggles. The document also includes guidance on writing an analytical essay related to the novel, focusing on character contrasts and central themes.

1. YEAR 11 ENGLISH
Of Mice and
Men

2. Novel Summary
“Of Mice and Men “ by John Steinbeck is a novella,
first published in 1937, set in the California valley
along the Salinas River. The story begins with the
two main characters, George Milton, and his friend
Lennie Small, on their way to jobs at a ranch. The
reader learns very quickly that these men have a
unique relationship, with George taking on the role
as carer for Lennie due to the fact he has mild
retardation. As the plot unfolds we learn the
background story to these men, their hopes and
dreams for the future and we learn of their struggle
to survive in an unforgiving society.

3. Characters
George Lennie Slim Candy
Crooks Curley Curley’s Wife Carlson

4. Themes
The American Dream
•A little bit of land, their own crops and animals – George
and Lennie dream of independence. Many of the men
criticise this dream; however, when asked to join in, many
jump at the chance.
Friendship
•What Lennie and George have is unique most of the men in
the story live lonely lives, trusting nobody; however,
Steinbeck shows us that what they have is valuable.
The Harsh Realities of Life
•Descriptions of the Bunkhouse
•Lennie’s treatment by society

5. Literary Techniques and
Devices
Foreshadowing
• The misunderstanding in Weed
• Lennie uncertain of his strength
• Candy and his Dog
Dialogue
• It is through conversation that we learn about the
characters ,the action, and the setting.
Imagery
• Descriptions of nature
• Descriptions of the characters and their
personalities.

6. Writing an Analytical Essay
Knowledge and •Develop an argument that shows your understanding
Understanding of text and the way it was created.
Analysis •develop a point of view, connecting ideas from the text
to your essay question.
Application •support that view through close textual references and
analysis
Communication •Write a well planned and well structure essay that
answer the essay question.

7. Writing an Analytical Essay
• Essay titles come in two types, the specific and the
general.
QUESTION
• Write your selected question or thesis statement at
the start of your essay
• Say how you intend to approach the question,
INTRODUCTION define terms, outline the points you intend to
elaborate on in the order you plan to tackle them
• take each point you have outlined in the
MAIN BODY introduction and discuss it using evidence from the
text and quotes as support.
• This single paragraph pulls together the parts of
CONCLUSION your argument in a summary, do not include new
information here

8. Writing an Analytical Essay
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
Analyse the
question. Define STAGE 3
key terms and Outline, in point
ideas and rewrite form, the main STAGE 4
ideas for each Begin writing.
these in your own Ensure that each
words to ensure paragraph. This Proof read your
means your paragraph has a
that you topic sentence, essay and let it sit
understand. introduction, main for a while – you
body and clear argument
and that this is may find errors
conclusion later. Submit it for
supported with
evidence. drafting prior to
the due date.

9. Analytical Essay
Students complete an analytical essay on
one of the questions below:
In Of Mice and Men by John
Steinbeck, how does the author
use contrasting characters to
explore ideas?
What are the central themes of
Of Mice and Men by John
Steinbeck and how are these
portrayed in the text?

10. In Of Mice and Men by John
Steinbeck, how does the
author use contrasting
characters to explore ideas?
George Lennie Slim Curley
Curley’s
Carlson Candy Crooks
Wife

11. What are the central themes
in Of Mice and Men by John
Steinbeck and how are
these portrayed in the text?
•'we'll have a big vegetable •"Guys like us, that work on •We’re gonna go in an’ see
patch and a rabbit hutch and ranches, are the loneliest guys the boss. Now, look—I’ll give
chickens. And when it rainsin in the world. They got no him the work tickets, but you
the winter, we'll just say the family. They don't belong no ain’t gonna say a word. You
hell with goin' to work, and place....With us it ain't like that. jus’ stand there and don’t say
we'll build up a fire in the stove We got a future. We got nothing. If he finds out what a
and set around it an' listen to somebody to talk to that gives crazy bastard you are, we
the raincomin' down on the a damn about us.“ (Pg.13) won’t get no job, but if he
roof...‘(Pg.14) sees ya work before he hears
ya talk, we’re set." (Pg.44)
The Harsh
The American
Friendship Realities of
Dream
Life