“Of Mice and Men” Novella Assignment

BOOK RESPONSE: - Of Mice and Men

 
 

Complete the following and submit by _________________________.
Character Diaries:

 
You must compose three diary entries. Each entry should be written from the point of view of three different characters and should be 300 - 500 words. This work should be word-processed and not handwritten.

 

Theme: the theme of each entry is loneliness / relationships – central themes in the novel.

 
Each entry must briefly reflect on the character's situation and then discuss his/her views on loneliness or relationships. As you read the novel, you will notice that each character is shaped by his or her relationships. In many cases, the relationships the characters forge with others are somewhat lacking or dysfunctional. It is these situations through which Steinbeck develops his analysis of loneliness and conversely relationships.

 
 

Your discussion of the theme should be introduced by revealing the character's situation and then through introspection. Focus on observations about life that the character may make as a result of his/her situation. Reflect on the character's motivation. DO NOT FORGET to analyze the theme of loneliness. Have the character comment on and make observations about relationships and/or loneliness. The characters' opinions will not necessarily be directly stated in the novel; you may have to make assumptions.

 
 

CHECK: A quick way to check if you have successfully discussed theme is to assess how much of your entry is devoted to the following:

• A Re-telling of the plot
  
• B Emotional reactions
  
• C Intelligent observations about life and people.
  

* While A and B are important to introduce the character, a minimum of 60% of the entry should be intelligent analyses of the theme from the character's perspective. This should be your own work and not taken from other sources.

Evaluation: is based on understanding of the character and theme and the competency, tone and style of the writing.

 
 

Reading schedule:

I will post the schedule in the class. A prudent student will always read at "least" one chapter ahead of what has been assigned.

* Daily quizzes will also be given to make certain you are keeping up with the assigned readings. If you have read the novel, the quizzes will be quite easy.