omam essay plans

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — Of Mice and Men

Essays on Of Mice and Men

Of mice and men essay topic examples.

A wide range of essay topics, introduction paragraph examples, and conclusion paragraph examples for different essay types aim to help you exercise creativity, delve into personal interests, and engage deeply with John Steinbeck's classic novella, Of Mice and Men . Your choice of topic can significantly impact the quality and depth of your essay, so choose wisely!

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novella. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Analyze the moral responsibility of George for Lennie's fate.
• 2. Argue whether the American Dream is attainable or an illusion for the characters in the story.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men introduces us to the complex relationship between George and Lennie, two displaced ranch workers during the Great Depression. This essay delves into the moral responsibility of George for Lennie's tragic fate, examining the ethical choices made by the characters and the consequences they entail.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the exploration of George's moral responsibility in Of Mice and Men invites us to grapple with the complex nuances of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. As we contemplate the choices made by the characters, we are compelled to reflect on the moral dilemmas that persist in our own lives.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novella or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the dreams and aspirations of George and Lennie with those of the other ranch workers.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the relationship of George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men and that of Frodo and Sam in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings .

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: Dreams and aspirations serve as powerful driving forces in both literature and life. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast the dreams of George and Lennie with those of their fellow ranch workers, shedding light on the shared human desire for a better future.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of dreams in Of Mice and Men reveal the universal longing for a life filled with purpose and hope. As we consider the dreams of these characters, we are reminded of the enduring human pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novella. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the natural beauty of the Salinas River and its significance in the story.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Crooks, focusing on his isolation and resilience.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The Salinas River in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men stands as a tranquil yet powerful backdrop to the characters' struggles. This essay embarks on a descriptive journey to capture the beauty and significance of the river, immersing the reader in the setting's natural wonders.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of the Salinas River not only serves as a setting but also symbolizes the characters' dreams and the fleeting nature of their aspirations. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the profound connection between the natural world and the human experience.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novella. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that the treatment of Curley's wife reflects the societal attitudes towards women during the Great Depression.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that George's decision to shoot Lennie was an act of mercy.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: Curley's wife in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men emerges as a character representative of the challenges women faced during the Great Depression. This persuasive essay asserts that her treatment reflects the prevailing societal attitudes towards women, shedding light on the gender dynamics of the era.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding the treatment of Curley's wife prompts us to reflect on the historical injustices faced by women during challenging times. As we consider her fate, we are reminded of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and justice in society.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novella. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered friendship and sacrifice similar to that of George and Lennie.
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in the world of Of Mice and Men and recount your interactions with the other ranch workers.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In the tapestry of our lives, we often encounter moments of profound friendship and sacrifice. This narrative essay delves into a personal experience where I witnessed acts of camaraderie and selflessness akin to those of George and Lennie in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men .

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal journey reminds us of the enduring power of friendship and sacrifice in the human experience. As we reflect on the bonds formed in the face of adversity, we are encouraged to cherish the meaningful connections we make in our own lives.

Who is Responsible for Lennie's Death

Family relationships in george steinbeck's "of mice and men": george and lennie, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Curley's Wife: The Loneliness Analysis

Analysis of characters' loneliness in of mice and men, the role of hopes and dreams in of mice and men, a novel by john steinbeck, representation of the american dream in "of mice and men" by john steinbeck, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

The Importance of Place and Destination in of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Crooks as a victim of racism in of mice and men, the importance of friendship in "of mice and men", the power of friendship in the novel of mice of men, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Detrimental Effect of Discrimination in of Mice and Men

Loneliness and friendship in the book 'of mice and men' by john steinbeck, of mice and men: george and lennie relationship, the loneliness of curley’s wife in of mice and men by john steinbeck, of mice and men: lennie character construction and representation, literature review: "of mice and men", the theme of disability and mental health in of mice and men, the theme of loneliness in the novella "of mice and men" by john steinbeck, the impact of racism on the character of crooks in of mice and men, curley's wife and female stereotype in "of mice and men", the concept of power in "johnny bear" and of mice and men, dreams and the life after losing them, friendship in of mice and men, the american dream in of mice and men, the of mice and men's analysis, themes and symbolism in of mice and men, american dream in 'of mice and men', the role of the setting in of mice and men, the metaphor of the missing hand in "of mice and men", george and lennie: friendship in of mice and men.

1937, John Steinbeck

Novella; Social Realism

Lennie Small, Curley's wife, George Milton, Curley, Crooks, Slim, Carlson, The Boss, Candy

It was intended to be a play of 30,000 words, which is why it has a dynamic structure.

Tragedy, betrayal, anger, social relationships, Napoleon complex, despair, loneliness, mental illness.

As a book that has been banned more than once in the United States, it was named as one of the most challenging books of the 21st century because of the complex issues it brings up and the portrayal of tragedy where no one but the difficult times are to blame.

The book revolves around George and Lennie, two itinerant workers, during the 1930s in a place with a symbolic name "Soledad", which stands for the Spanish word "loneliness". The entire story is fit into four days that slowly end up in a tragedy when George kills Lennie. The book also deals with a mental disability, which can be seen in Lennie's portrayal of schizophrenia. This complex mixture of tragedy and the loss in Steinbeck’s book tell the tale of loneliness and the ways how anger and the lack of any hope end up in death, both mental and physical.

The first version of the book was eaten by Steinbeck’s dog called Max. The book has been banned in the United States. The original title was "Something That Happened" This book has been written in a place, which is now called Monte Sereno, California. It was adapted into an opera in 1969. The book drew several dialogues from Steinbeck's own life. The house where "Of Mice and Men" was written represents a historic landmark today.

“A guy needs somebody ― to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you. I tell ya, I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an' he gets sick.” “As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment.” “Trouble with mice is you always kill 'em. ” “Just like heaven. Ever’body wants a little piece of lan’. I read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land. It’s just in their head. They’re all the time talkin’ about it, but it’s jus’ in their head.” “I ain't got no people. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin' to fight all the time. . . 'Course Lennie's a God damn nuisance most of the time, but you get used to goin' around with a guy an' you can't get rid of him.”

In simple terms "Of Mice and Men" tell about life during the Great Depression era and the acts people have done to survive. John Steinbeck did not choose a special setting that would tell a single story, but opted for a different plot where people have made hard decisions for other persons as well. It was a way of survival without compromise or thinking twice. As Steinbeck often said himself, it is not the tragedy itself but a reflection of times and loneliness that drove people insane. It is a reason why this book contains racial remarks and vulgarity exactly the way as it has been back then. It is not an intention to be so, yet a reflection that has been made in a sincere way.

It deals not only with the Great Depression and the tragedy that comes along when a person is lost and confused but also speaks of mental disorders that most people have failed to notice. Through the lens of grief, it reveals the topic of human loneliness and one’s being forced to make a decision that a person thinks to be a better solution. “Of Mice and Men” is the call back to the era of survival of the fittest, which is also applicable to the present times. It is a reason why it is still taught at school and used as an essay topic choice.

Candy, Crooks, and Curley represent three stages of loneliness, according to the book as Steinbeck has put it. One of them is getting old, the other one is being unable to show one’s beauty, and the last one is the loneliness of being ignored and misunderstood.

1. Marsden, J.L. (1995). California Dreamin’ The Significance of “A Coupla Acres” in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Western American Literature 29(4), 291-297. (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/533081) 2. Spilka, M. (1974). OF GEORGE AND LENNIE AND CURLEY’S WIFE: SWEET VIOLENCE IN STEINBECK’S EDEN. Modern Fiction Studies, 20(2), 169–179. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/26279931) 3. Tallmon, D. A., Jules, E. S., Radke, N. J., & Mills, L. S. (2003). Of mice and men and trillium: cascading effects of forest fragmentation. Ecological Applications, 13(5), 1193-1203. (https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1890/02-5111) 4. Monica Brady (2014) On Being (and Not Being) Mrs Curley’s Wife, Changing English, 21:4, 334-347. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1358684X.2014.969002) 5. Benson, J.J. (1984). Through a Political Glass, Darkly: The Example of John Steinbeck. Studies in American Fiction 12(1), 45-59. (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/440764) 6. Cerce, D. (2006). The Perception of John Steinbeck's Work in Slovenia. Steinbeck Review, 3(2), 63-78. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1754-6087.2006.tb00081.x) 7. Clark, S. (1984). Of Mice, Men, and Supermen: The Copyrightability of Graphic and Literary Characters. Louis ULJ, 28, 959. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/stlulj28&div=48&id=&page=) 8. Hale, P. J. (2010). Of mice and men: Evolution and the socialist utopia. William Morris, HG Wells, and George Bernard Shaw. Journal of the History of Biology, 43, 17-66. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10739-009-9177-0)

Relevant topics

• A Rose For Emily
• Between The World and Me
• The Crucible
• Brave New World
• Frankenstein
• All Summer in a Day
• Lord of The Flies
• The Scarlet Ibis
• The Things They Carried
• The Outsiders

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Bibliography

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Lesson Plans for Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men (1937) is typically taught in middle school or high school and is one of Steinbeck's most acclaimed and beloved works. It is a moving story of thwarted dreams, friendship, and sacrifice that chronicles four days in the lives of migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. The novel paints a vivid picture of farm life in the area during the Great Depression. Steinbeck's themes include social injustice, racial injustice, and the power of friendship.

Click each Lesson Plan to view or choose Download to download the Lesson Plan as a Word document. All resources are free and customizable to your needs.

Getting Started

Controversial issues.

Prepare students for the controversial issues they will encounter in the classroom while reading Of Mice and Men.

Introduction

Introduce students to John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, its characters, the setting, and the contextual background, including the Great Depression.

Migrant Workers and the Great Depression – Leaving Home

Expand students’ analytical skills and to give them a greater understanding of life during the Great Depression.

Reading Comprehension

Literary terms.

This guide includes a comprehensive list of literary terms, their definitions, and examples of their usage as found in the novel.

Quiz Questions

Download quiz questions for use in the classroom or by students at home.

Short Answer Questions

Short answer questions test student understanding and reading comprehension for Of Mice and Men.

Plot and Theme

Challenge students to create and act out their own skits that demonstrate the differences between plot and theme.

Provides a list of slang terms as well as an interactive, student driven, "word wall" to help students understand the new words encountered in their readings.

Sentence Fluency

Students can improve their sentence fluency by emulating the sentence structure of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and those of their classmates.

Correcting the Grammar of Others

Besides students’ usual grammar exercises in English class, they can learn literature-based ways to enhance their grammar capabilities.

The Final-Final

The Final-Final requires students to take action on writing assignment feedback and to resubmit their work for a last round of teacher feedback.

Connecting with History

Jim crow and lynch law introduction.

Introduction to lingering racist attitudes in the United States since the Civil War, especially relating to the treatment of Crooks.

Migrant Workers and the Great Depression – Why California?

Why did so many people uproot their lives and head to California and the West? Use first hand accounts from the Library of Congress.

Understanding ranch life in the 1920s/1930s and the migrant ranch experience from that period, and today, are essential for understanding the novel.

Riding the Rails

Students will see, hear, and read about life riding the rails and looking for work in the 1930s.

Period Music

Understanding the rich connection between period music of the 1930s and Of Mice and Men using lyric sheets and listening.

Understanding Lynching

Examine the lynching of Emmett Till to better understand the state of race relations prior to the major accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement.

Analyzing the Characters

The american dream.

Students will reflect upon the meaning of the “American Dream,” what it meant during the 1930s, to George and Lennie, and to themselves.

Help students to understand characters and their motivations through the use of a graphic organizer.

Identity Charts

An identity chart is a graphic tool meant to help students understand the motivations and factors that have shaped characters.

Character Webs

Character Webs are graphic organizers that help students to gain a deeper understanding of the connections between characters.

Character Reactions – Crooks's Quarters

Students work together to create internal monologues for the characters, challenging students to consider issues of race and gender in the 1930s.

Interviewing Characters

Students are challenged to use what they have learned about the characters to script and perform an interview with the character.

Analyzing the Text

Discussion by section.

Breakdown major events, themes, and discussion topics. This is a rich source of information to help frame an entire unit plan for Of Mice and Men.

Short Writing Prompts

An in-depth, section by section breakdown of short writing prompts for use in journal assignments, assessments, and discussion starters.

Essay Questions

Use these essay questions for writing prompts, journal assignments, assessments, or discussion starters.

Help students distinguish between literal and figurative concepts and track the use and meaning of symbols throughout Of Mice and Men.

Favorite Passages

Create a “message board” where students can post and comment upon important, entertaining, and interesting passages from Of Mice and Men.

Mining for Examples

Students work collaboratively to create an in-depth study guide to understanding key scenes, quotations, and themes in Of Mice and Men.

Study Guides

Provide additional structure and guidance to that found in “Mining for Examples.” Students create their own study guide for the novel.

Critical Analysis Essay

Help develop students’ critical analysis abilities. The assignment can be modified per grade level/ability, and is a perfect introduction to scholarly papers.

Document Analysis

Provide a structure that students of all abilities can utilize to build their analytical skills.

Students work in small groups to analyze and dissect a reading, then report back to the class. This activity aids students in understanding complex material.

Adapting the Text

Found poetry.

Spontaneous poetry is a creative and fun activity during any time of the year, but teachers can apply this specifically to Of Mice and Men.

Brochures, Posters, Illustrations

Students can graphically “speak” about Of Mice and Men by creating brochures, posters, and other illustrations about the novel.

Provide students with empathy, sympathy, and a greater understanding, during any point in the novel, of the characters and situations surrounding death.

Passport to Literacy

Passport to Literacy is a cross-curricular project that examines life on a farm in the 1930s and today.

Get Them Out of Their Seats

Adapting scenes from the book to a play.

Students choose scenes from the novel to adapt into a short, dramatic reproduction.

Jeopardy Interactive Review Game

An interactive PowerPoint game modeled on the popular quiz show. A fun way to review.

Radio Plays / Podcasts

Create radio play adaptations of scenes as live, unseen performances, or recorded and edited podcasts.

Placing Characters on Trial

Convert the classroom into a courtroom to help students understand the legal system and its implications relating to Of Mice and Men.

Steinbeck Club

A fun way to expose interested students to more of the writings of John Steinbeck.

Four Corners

Students show their position on a specific statement by standing in a particular corner of the room or answering a question with a choice.

Pre-Reading Activities

Ongoing activities, cumulative activities, general activities, send us your ideas for lesson plans.

Do you have a lesson plan you would like to share with our community of teachers? We would love to see them!

We are looking for innovative, classroom-tested lesson plans relating to any of Steinbeck's works or to the time and places in which his stories take place. Send us your lesson plan ideas by filling out this Google Form .

Firefly needs a modern browser, so you may notice things look broken right now.

To get a better experience, try one of the supported browsers listed here.

• Of-Mice-and-Men-Knowledge-Organiser.pdf
• To a Mouse translated.docx
• OMAM revision book.docx 4mb
• Sharma 9141 4ET1 01.pdf 2mb
• OMAM Past Qs.pptx 2mb
• Blessing 9103 4ET1 01.pdf 1mb
• OMAM Past Qs SS.xlsx
• OMAM – Aiming for 8.pptx
• OMAM Independent Revision Booklet.pdf 1mb
• Essay Planning Dreams and Plans.pptx
• OMAM Quotation Challenge.pdf

Of Mice and Men

Part of English Literature

Plot summary – WJEC

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is focused on the unlikely friendship of workers George and Lennie. Will their friendship survive the harsh conditions they live in?

Themes – WJEC

A theme is an idea that runs throughout a text. In Of Mice and Men, the themes of dreams, loneliness and companionship are explored.

Characters – WJEC

The main characters in Of Mice and Men are George and Lennie. They are best friends but complete opposites. Learn about the other characters on the ranch and how they all long for friendship.

Form, structure and language – WJEC

Of Mice and Men is a short novel, or novella, but it has similarities to a play in its use of natural dialogue and minimal description. Learn about its cyclical structure and its use of repetition.

Context – WJEC

John Steinbeck wrote Of Mice and Men during the Great Depression and set the book at the height of this, when many people in America suffered through poverty and unemployment.

Sample exam question – WJEC

An example of the type of question you might be asked in the exam and how best to approach it.

Bitesize revision podcasts

Jobs that use English

BBC Teach: Literature

Watch Macbeth on iPlayer

BBC Sounds Classic Stories

• External link External link
• Subscription Subscription

Get Revising: Eng Lit

RSC: Teacher Resources

• Ask LitCharts AI
• Discussion Question Generator
• Essay Prompt Generator
• Quiz Question Generator

• Literature Guides
• Poetry Guides
• Shakespeare Translations
• Literary Terms

Of Mice and Men

John steinbeck.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

George Milton

Lennie small, curley’s wife.

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

• International
• Education Jobs
• Schools directory
• Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: Essay Plan - Character

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Other

Last updated

16 August 2021

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck:  Character: George and Lennie - Essay Plan

Creative Commons "Sharealike"

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

jolicashday

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

Thank you so much. This has saved me a lot of time. Brilliant.

cparrysussex

Silasharper.

Many thanks indeed.

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource: