Themes in Of Mice and Men
This lesson explores the central themes of John Steinbeck’s 'Of Mice and Men', focusing on how the American Dream, loneliness, and social barriers affect the characters during the Great Depression. Students will move from identifying themes to analysing their deeper symbolic meanings.
Learning objectives
- Identify and define the key themes of Dreams, Loneliness, and Prejudice in 'Of Mice and Men'.
- Explain how Steinbeck uses characters to represent specific societal themes.
- Analyse how the historical context of the 1930s influences the themes of the novella.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Do Now: List three things you know about the Great Depression and how it might make people feel.
Direct Instruction · 10 min
Teacher-led explainer on the four core themes (Dreams, Loneliness, Barriers, Fate).
Guided Practice · 10 min
Guided practice: Analysing the 'Dream' speech at the start of the novella.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Differentiated Worksheet Activity: Students complete Support, Core, or Stretch tasks based on prior attainment.
Assessment · 10 min
Plenary Quiz: 8-question check for understanding.
Closure · 5 min
Review and Pack up.
Key vocabulary
- American Dream
- The set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success.
- Itinerant Worker
- A person who moves from place to place to find work, especially a farm labourer.
- Foreshadowing
- Something that acts as a sign or warning of a future event.
- Marginalisation
- The quality of being powerless or pushed to the edge of a group or society.
- Fate
- Predetermined events that are beyond a person's control.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- 1. Explain how the theme of loneliness is linked to the setting of the ranch.
- 2. Why does the 'American Dream' fail for the characters in this book?
- 3. How do the characters of Candy and Crooks mirror each other regarding the theme of prejudice?
- 4. Discuss how Curley’s Wife represents the theme of the 'victim'.
Quiz (sample)
1. What does the 'dream farm' represent for George and Lennie?
- A. It is a way to make money quickly.
- B. It is a shared hope that keeps them going.
- C. It is a secret they keep from the boss.
- D. It is a plan to move to Hollywood.
2. Which character is most closely associated with the theme of gender-based isolation?
- A. Slim
- B. Curley's Wife
- C. Candy
- D. George
3. The title 'Of Mice and Men' comes from a poem by which author?
- A. William Shakespeare
- B. John Steinbeck
- C. Robert Burns
- D. Charles Dickens
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