Of Mice and Men DJ PowerPoint
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While reading the novel,
you will complete a
dialectical journal for your
assigned topic/theme.
This presentation will allow
students to practice
formatting quotes and
explanations/analysis in an
in-class, group setting in
preparation for completing
the DJ individually while
reading the novel.
Your assignment for today!
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In your assigned topic/theme groups, you will
complete a series of comprehension checks
that will also serve as your T.O.D.!
Let’s get started!
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1. Please sit in your topic/theme groups: Friendship,
Power, Loneliness, Loyalty and Sacrifice, & Dreams
2. Have your DJ handout (sample), a clean piece of
paper (a full sheet) & something to write with.
3. Make sure you have your MLA heading in the
upper left-hand corner and title this assignment
“M&M DJ PPT Activity”. Every student will
complete the comprehension checks and turn in
his/her paper as a T.O.D.!
4. PAY ATTENTION!
FYI: DIALECTICAL
JOURNAL
di•a•lec•tic (n) 1. The art or
practice of arriving at the truth by
the exchange of logical
arguments.
Comprehension Check #1
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1. What is your assignment?
2. What is the definition of dialectic?
Just kidding! I just wanted to make sure you
were paying attention! Tee-hee! I crack myself
up 
O.K., let’s seriously get started. Now, pay
attention! 
(In case you forgot)
What does a DJ look like?
A DJ has two columns: one for quotes and another
for analysis
Of Mice and Men
DJ Example #1
Quotes from the text w/ page numbers
Student responses:
explanations/analysis
After George starts to narrate why their
friendship is different in response to
Lennie’s request, Lennie interrupts him
and exclaims, “ ‘But not us! An’ why?
Because…because I got you to look after
me, and you got me to look after you, and
As the reader is exposed to the interactions
of George and Lennie, the dynamics of
their relationship become more clear. In
this example, Steinbeck explores the idea
of friendship through the characters of
George and Lennie to demonstrate his
belief that in times of struggle, such as
during the Great Depression, it is easier
and more tolerable to share your
experiences with a companion.
that’s why’ ” (14).
Part I
Format for Quotes
Format for quotes
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Each quote for your DJ must include the
following:
1. A lead-in/ attribution
2. A direct quote from the text about your
assigned topic
3. MLA format for quotations including page
numbers in parenthetical citation
Comprehension check #1
(For real)
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Question: What are the 3 components you must include to
correctly format your quotations? NO! YOU CAN’T GO
BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SLIDE!
Discuss you thoughts in groups, then write your answer down
on your paper. Any volunteers to share their ideas?
Answer:
1. A lead-in/ quote attribution
2. A direct quote from the text about your assigned topic
3. MLA format for quotations including page numbers in
parenthetical citation
Format for quotes: Lead-ins
After George starts to narrate why their friendship is different in response to
Lennie’s request, Lennie interrupts him and exclaims, “ ‘But not us! An’
why? Because…because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look
after you, and that’s why’ ” (14).
NOTICE:
The quote begins with a lead-in explaining the
context of the quote (or what’s happening before
the quote).
Format for quotes: Lead-in
continued
After George starts to narrate why their friendship is different in response to
Lennie’s request, Lennie interrupts him and exclaims, “ ‘But not us! An’
why? Because…because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look
after you, and that’s why’ ” (14).
NOTICE:
1. Also included in the lead-in is an attribution. The
speaker of the quote is identified and then paired
with an appropriate verb which help the reader leadin to the quote.
2. The lead-in is followed by a comma before the
quotation marks!
Class vote!
George discusses the details of a property he has in
mind to fulfill his dream. “ ‘Well, it's ten
acres,’ said George. ‘Got a little win mill’ ” (45).
Thumbs up if you think this quote is correct. Thumbs down if you
think it is incorrect.
Your thumbs should be….
DOWN!
WHY?
George discusses the details of a property he has in
mind to fulfill his dream. “ ‘Well, it's ten
acres,’ said George. ‘Got a little win mill’ ” (45).
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The lead-in is incomplete (no direct attribution of
speaker & no verb before the quote) and it is missing
a comma before the direct quote!
A better example would be…
George discusses the details of a property he has in
mind to fulfill his dream when he says, “ ‘Well, it's ten
acres,’ said George. ‘Got a little win mill’ ” (45).
Format for quotes: quotation marks
After George starts to narrate why their friendship is different in response to
Lennie’s request, Lennie interrupts him and exclaims, “ ‘But not us! An’
why? Because…because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look
after you, and that’s why’ ” (14).
NOTICE:
The double quotes in green indicate the material is a direct quote from the text.
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The double quotes in yellow indicate that dialogue is being quoted from the text
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In other words…
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if you take words out of the book, you must use “
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If you see “ in the book, it becomes ‘ in your quote.
NOTE: I know this can be confusing, so just see me if you have any questions about
quotation marks. It’s a quick fix and easy to learn if someone shows you 
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Format for quotes: page numbers
After George starts to narrate why their friendship is different in response to
Lennie’s request, Lennie interrupts him and exclaims, “ ‘But not us! An’
why? Because…because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look
after you, and that’s why’ ” (14).
NOTICE:
1.
The page number is enclosed in parenthesis after
the last quotation mark and before the period.
2.
There is NO “page”, NO “pg”, and NO “p” before
the page number. This is big NO-NO!
Class vote!
George discusses the details of a property he has in
mind to fulfill his dream. “ ‘Well, it's ten
acres,’ said George. ‘Got a little win mill’ ” (p.45).
Thumbs up if you think this quote is correct. Thumbs down if you
think it is incorrect.
Your thumbs should be….
DOWN! DOWN! DOWN!
WHY?
George discusses the details of a property he has in
mind to fulfill his dream. “ ‘Well, it's ten
acres,’ said George. ‘Got a little win mill’ ” (p.45).
 BIG NO-NO! NOTHING EXCEPT THE
ACTUAL PAGE NUMBER ITSELF GOES
INSIDE THE PARENTHESIS! Yes, I am
yelling at you 
BTW: I figured out how to do that frowny face all on my own. I am SUPER techy now! Look out!
Comprehension Check #2
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Group Activity
For the following quote add a lead-in & correct MLA
format:
"God, you’re a lot of trouble," said George. "I could get along so
easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail. I could live so
easy and maybe have a girl." (page 11)
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You can use the examples and sentence frames from your
DJ handout to help you or you can create your own.
Watch your punctuation!
Groups will be called upon randomly to share their answer!
You have 3 minutes!
Remember to write your answer down on your individual
answer sheet as part of your T.O.D.!
Possible Response
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Compare your group’s answer to the following
possible response:
After Lennie creates a lot of unnecessary trouble over a dead
mouse, George thinks out loud about all he has to sacrifice when
he snaps, “ ‘God, you’re a lot of trouble,’ said George. ‘I could
get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail. I
could live so easy and maybe have a girl’ ” (11).
Fix any errors you made in your response!
PART II
Format for
Explanation/Analysis
Format Explanation/Analysis
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Each explanation/analysis for your DJ must
include the following:
1. An interpretation (explanation) that shows
your understanding of the quoted material
2. An analysis that includes:
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your topic (see bank #1)
the literary device (see bank #2) that is in the
example
the theme that is revealed in the quote
Comprehension Check #3
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Question A: What are the 2 main components you must
include to correctly format your explanation and analysis?
This is common sense!
Questions B: What are the 3 aspects you must include to
complete your analysis? This is the most important question!
Discuss you thoughts in groups, then write your answer down
on your paper. Any volunteers to share their ideas?
Answers:
A. interpretation/ explanation & analysis
B. topic, literary device, and theme
Format Explanation/Analysis:
Interpretation
As the reader is exposed to the interactions of George and Lennie, the
dynamics of their relationship become more clear. In this example, Steinbeck
explores the idea of friendship through the characters of George and Lennie to
demonstrate his belief that in times of struggle, such as during the Great
Depression, it is easier and more tolerable to share your experiences with a
companion.
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NOTICE:
The reader’s interpretation/explanation of the
quoted material is stated in the opening
sentence clearly showing an understanding of
the text.
Format Explanation/Analysis: Topic
As the reader is exposed to the interactions of George and Lennie, the
dynamics of their relationship become more clear. In this example, Steinbeck
explores the idea of friendship through the characters of George and Lennie to
demonstrate his belief that in times of struggle, such as during the Great
Depression, it is easier and more tolerable to share your experiences with a
companion.
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NOTICE:
The topic (friendship) is mentioned
See bank #1 on your handout
Format Explanation/Analysis: Literary
Device/s
As the reader is exposed to the interactions of George and Lennie, the
dynamics of their relationship become more clear. In this example, Steinbeck
explores the idea of friendship through the characters of George and Lennie to
demonstrate his belief that in times of struggle, such as during the Great
Depression, it is easier and more tolerable to share your experiences with a
companion.
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NOTICE:
A literary device is connected to revealing
Steinbeck’s message/ theme.
See bank #2 on your handout
Note: More than one literary device can be mentioned
as they can overlap
Format Explanation/Analysis: Theme
As the reader is exposed to the interactions of George and Lennie, the
dynamics of their relationship become more clear. In this example, Steinbeck
explores the idea of friendship through the characters of George and Lennie to
demonstrate his belief that in times of struggle, such as during the Great
Depression, it is easier and more tolerable to share your experiences with a
companion.
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NOTICE:
Steinbeck’s message/ theme is specific to the topic
and the material in the connected quote.
Note: Themes are written like a belief/philosophy, a
piece of advice, a fortune cookie message, or a
bumper sticker.
Class Vote!
Which one of the following themes is worded
correctly?
 A. Man vs. Society
 B. Sometimes a man must follow his heart instead of
the prescribed rules of society.
Discuss your ideas as a group, then raise your hand
when your group is ready.
Any volunteers to share? Thumbs up if you agree with
the answer shared. Thumbs down if you do not agree.
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What’s the correct answer?
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Answer B is correct!
Why?
Answer A is written like a conflict rather than
a message. Answer B clearly communicates a
belief/philosophy.
Comprehension Check #4
Group Activity #1
1. Copy the quote below
2. Create a student response/ analysis for the following quote. You’ll need an
explanation, topic, literary device, and theme:
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(LENNIE) “ ‘I was only foolin’, George. I don’t want no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat no
ketchup if it was right here beside me.’
(GEORGE) ‘If it was here, you could have some.’
(LENNIE) ‘But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it all for you. You could cover
your beans with it and I wouldn’t touch none of it’ " (11) .
NOTES:
1.
This quote in not EXACTLY in MLA format. I simplified the attributions for this activity. Please follow the
MLA guidelines outlined earlier in the PPT.
2.
Click through the reminders and the four steps for completing this activity!
Remember!
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Group Activity
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You can use the examples and sentence frames
from your DJ handout to help you or you can
create your own.
Groups will be called upon randomly to share their
answers!
Remember to write your answer down on your
individual answer sheet as part of your T.O.D.!
Step #1: write an explanation
(LENNIE) “ ‘I was only foolin’, George. I don’t want
no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat no ketchup if it was right
here beside me.’
(GEORGE) ‘If it was here, you could have some.’
(LENNIE) ‘But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it
all for you. You could cover your beans with it and I
wouldn’t touch none of it’ " (11) .
What is happening in the quote?
Share, compare, edit
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Trade your explanations with the group sitting
to your left to prompt more discussion.
Again, don’t forget to reference the samples
and sentence frames on the handout!
Sample explanation: After George’s mean
outburst about how much better off he’d be
without Lennie (sparked by Lennie wanting
some ketchup), Lennie is the one who makes
the first move to apologize.
Step #2: What topic is being
exemplified?
(LENNIE) “ ‘I was only foolin’, George. I don’t want no ketchup.
I wouldn’t eat no ketchup if it was right here beside me.’
(GEORGE) ‘If it was here, you could have some.’
(LENNIE) ‘But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it all for
you. You could cover your beans with it and I wouldn’t touch
none of it’ " (11) .
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Note: Think outside of the box! Multiple topics can work for
one quote. What topics could apply other than the obvious?
Share, compare, edit
Share your topics with the group sitting to your
left to prompt more discussion.
 Possible responses:
friendship, loyalty & sacrifice, power (result of)
 NOW, pick the topic your group will use for
your analysis. Remember, the topic you choose
will determine the theme/ message you will
write!
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Step #3: What literary device/s is
being used to help illuminate the
theme?
(LENNIE) “ ‘I was only foolin’, George. I don’t want
no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat no ketchup if it was right
here beside me.’
(GEORGE) ‘If it was here, you could have some.’
(LENNIE) ‘But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it
all for you. You could cover your beans with it and I
wouldn’t touch none of it’ " (11) .
Share, compare & edit
Share your topics with the group sitting to your
left to prompt more discussion.
 Possible response:
character will probably be the most common
answer
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Step #4: Put them together!
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Topic + Literary Device
Consider this: Even after this awful fight, the
men’s friendship has a simple and remarkable
earnestness. George grudgingly knows he’s
wrong and in fact really loves his friend, and
even though Lennie can’t express it in a
terribly complex way, he loves George back.
Through characterization the reader learns…
(add theme/message in the next step).
Step #5: SO WHAT?
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What is the theme?
As a group, read over the quote, explanation &
analysis you have so far. Next, discuss what
you think Steinbeck believes about the topic.
Share, compare & edit
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Trade your themes with the group sitting to
your left to prompt more discussion.
Again, don’t forget to reference the samples
and sentence frames on the handout!
I know, I know. This is a really long group
activity, but stay with me 
Possible response
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Through characterization the reader learns that
true friendship requires elements of
compromise/ sacrifice, forgiveness,
selflessness and even love.
Double check: Is your theme written like a
fortune cookie message?
Now, put it all together!
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Explanation + topic + literary device + theme
Sample:After George’s mean outburst about how much better
off he’d be without Lennie (sparked by Lennie wanting some
ketchup), Lennie is the one who makes the first move to
apologize. Even after this awful fight, the men’s friendship has
a simple and remarkable earnestness. George grudgingly
knows he’s wrong and in fact really loves his friend, and even
though Lennie can’t express it in a terribly complex way, he
loves George back. Through characterization the reader learns
that true friendship requires elements of compromise/
sacrifice, forgiveness, selflessness and even love.
No, your answer does not need to be as wordy as mine 
Whip Around!
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All the groups will take turns reading their
responses aloud.
Friendship
Power
Loneliness
Loyalty and Sacrifice
Dreams
Remember:
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Think outside of the box!
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Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Notes:
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At the bottom of your T.O.D., please write
down any questions or confusion you may still
have about completing the dialectical journal.
This PPT will be available for continued
viewing on my LQ webpage along with the
sample dialectical journal handout.
The End
This concludes the M&M DJ PPT.
You can clap now 