Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Research

Source 1. Go to this site and read the brief article on the writing of Of Mice and Men. http://www.heinemann.co.uk/windmill/sbeck.shtml

1.What was the original title of Of Mice and Men?

2. What funny story is associated with this book?

3. For what audience did Steinbeck originally write this book?

Source 2. Go to the Nobel Prize site and read the first three paragraphs of Steinbeck’s acceptance speech. http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/steinbec/nobel.html

4. As a "maker of literature," what did Steinbeck say was the goal of his speech?

Analysis

1.  
2. Of Mice and Men contains many descriptions of natural events, for example, a bird eats a snake. How does this event relate to the original title of the book? Do you feel sorry for the snake?
3. How does this event relate to what happens to Lennie? What are the differences between Lennie and the snake?
4. The title Of Mice and Men comes from a poem about how lucky a mouse is not to have to worry about the future or have any regrets for the past. Explain which title you prefer.
5. In your opinion, what are the "duties and responsibilities" of a maker of literature?
6. Has Steinbeck met those duties with Of Mice and Men?
   

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