Our class notes on what we have read so far:

Of Mice and Men Y9

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‘Of Mice and Men’ Contrast, between mice and men. They are opposites in terms of size and stature. In society the status of mice is a low one, compared to men whose status is exceptionally high. Furthermore the title suggests that sexism could be an idea/ theme in the text as it is on mice and “men”.

The title informs the reader that this text is about hierarchy and gender. (The title was also influenced by Robert Burn’s poem “To a mouse”).

TITLE

AUTHOR

TIME

John Steinbeck was an American who was alive and lived in the same time in which he wrote. ‘Of Mice and Men’ highlights/ deals with the issues John Steinbeck cared about. His book is a  REALIST text

Steinbeck grew up in a wealthy family but spent time working on a ranch.

The book is set in the years directly after ‘The Great Depression’ in 1930s America/ California.

Location is “Soledad” firstly this hints at the languages spoken and the cultures present in the area, Soledad translated in English is Loneliness. By naming the setting “Soledad” , the reader understands that loneliness is a key idea in the text. Furthermore Steinbeck introduces the idea of loneliness in the very first sentence of his text, perhaps highlighting the loneliness felt by so many.

Steinbeck begins his text with a beautiful, detailed description of nature. The beautiful description of nature and the animals, contrasts with the negative and sad description of the “boys” and “tramps”, furthermore we are told the tramps travel “wearily”. The word choice/adverb of “wearily” suggests tiredness, hopeless and evokes sympathy from the reader.

Steinbeck’s description of the natural setting is beautiful and full of his pride in his native land.

“even in the open one stayed behind the other” – here there is hierarchy and clearly the one in front is in charge.

“restless eyes” – shows awareness of everything

“the way a bear drags his paws”

Metaphor Just as a bear is… so Lennie is being described as..”

Word Choice

“shoulders hung loosely” – implies lack of confidence, sadness, implies weakness this could also show they are worn down and perhaps are easy to target. It also suggests a lack of intelligence.

We are told that George “snapped the moisture off” his face. The word choice if “”snapped” suggests aggression, being short tempered and acts quickly. Furthermore it is alliterative and the sound is aggressive and highlights the violence in his movement.