English 10 Essay 2: Of Mice and Men Essay Assignment
Possible topics:
1. The novel has a very strong emphasis on animals – mice,
rabbits, dogs, etc. In fact, there is an importance and function of animals in
relation to Lennie. Take note of how he is described
in chapter 1 when he drinks from the river (p. 3). Note how he responds to
George and how George interacts with him throughout. Persuade the reader that Lennie is himself,
little more than an animal.
2. Candy’s dog is important in relation to the understanding
of the novel as a whole. Consider the condition of the dog, what occurs in the
scene, how everyone reacts, and how it relates to the situation of the humans. Persuade the reader that what happens to
Candy’s dog is nothing but natural law, the strong dispose of the weak. This is
reflected in all of life.
3. Loneliness is one of the central themes in the novel. Virtually every character suffers from it. Persuade the reader that (Candy, Crooks, Curley’s wife, George, Lennie) is the loneliest character in the novel. Justify the choice with clear reasons and examples from the novel. It would be useful to compare the characters in order to better explain why one is the loneliest.
4. Tragedy has been defined as the fall of an essentially good person due to a flaw or limitation within their personality. Persuade others that Of Mice and Men fits this definition of tragedy. Does the novel’s outcome result from the individual’s flaws, or is it society conspires against the individuals? Don’t necessarily limit comments to Lennie. Do others suffer tragedy? To what degree?
5. Persuade an audience as to the rightness or wrongness of George’s decision at the end. Take into consideration Slim’s comments at the end, as well as Slim and Candy’s comments in chapter 3 regarding Candy’s dog. Be sure to justify thesis opinions with specific examples from the book.
6. Persuade others that it is important that we judge others in life. Consider Lennie, Crooks, Curley’s wife, Curley, George, or anyone else of significance in regards to the question. Use clear examples from the book to support views.
INSTRUCTIONS: The
essay should be approximately one and a half to two pages in length, typed
(double-spaced). One needs not answer every question listed for any given topic
above – the questions are there merely to start one thinking
about the topics. Be sure that the primary emphasis of the essay is on
analyzing the novel,
An outline for this essay may follow this pattern:
I. Introduction:
1. lead statement
2. explain the lead
3. overview of the topic/summary of story
4. thesis statement
II. First reason supporting the thesis
1. statement of reason
2. supporting detail/ explain fully the reason
3. elaboration: quotes from the book proving your reason is
true or justified.
4. commentary:
III. Second reason supporting the thesis
1. statement of reason
2. supporting detail/ explain fully the reason
3. elaboration: quotes from the book proving your reason is
true or justified.
4. commentary:
IV. Other side’s main objection to thesis
1. statement of objection: what others who think differently about
the subject may say.
2. possible reasons why others think differently
3. refute these reasons with your ideas supporting your thesis
4. supporting detail – quotes from the book– if needed
5. elaboration – if needed
6.
commentary
V. Conclusion
1. restate the thesis in different words
2. briefly restate three reasons of support
3. make text-to-world/ call to action
4. hook back to the lead statement