“How does the language in the
extract influence your view of the
character Crooks?”
Of Mice and Men
What do we learn about the character Crooks in this extract?
‘For a moment Crooks did not see him, but on
raising his eyes he stiffened and a scowl came
on his face. His hand came out from under his
shirt.’
• Choose ONE important word.
• Share with your partner.
Read the whole extract
• First impressions?
Tell your partner :
1. What happens.
2. What you learn.
• Feedback.
We are going to analyse the language
under three headings:
• Crooks’ behaviour and actions
• Crooks’ appearance
• The setting and environment
As you re-read the extract look carefully and
see if you can spot specific words that relate
to behaviour, appearance and setting.
On your postcards...
Underline words that show the following in the
different colours:
• Crooks’ behaviour and actions
• Crooks’ appearance
• The setting and environment
If you can, explain
how the writer’s
choices shape
meaning.
Add notes to show what each word/phrase
suggests to you about Crooks.
‘suggests how/that...’
If you can, comment on the LAYERS
of meaning in the word choices.
In this case, you could also say
“Crooks may also be embarrassed by
the fact that he is rubbing cream
into his crooked spine.”
How does Steinbeck influence our
view of the character of Crooks?
•
•
•
•
Crooks’ behaviour and actions?
Crooks’ appearance?
The setting and environment?
Anything else?
Write a sentence at the bottom of your postcard.
As a pair, select what you consider
to be your best point, share this
with another pair.
Pick the best point from the two
pairs and be prepared to share this
with the class.
Plenary
• What do we learn about the character Crooks in this
extract?
• How do we learn this?
• How do the writer’s choices influence our view of
the character?