Essay Writing
For ‘Of Mice and Men’
Shape of an Essay
Recommended length for an NCEA
Level 2 Essay:
• 6 paragraphs (Intro, 4 main body paragraphs,
conclusion)
• Paragraphs must follow SEXY structure to
show level of understanding required.
• One main idea/authorial technique discussed
per paragraph.
Today
“The killing of Candy’s old dog foreshadowed Lennie’s death.
Describe the two killings, explaining the similarities and
differences between them.”
• Describe = To give an account of something.
• Explain = To make plain or clear; render understandable or
intelligible: to explain an obscure point.
What themes can we link to this essay question?
“The killing of Candy’s old dog foreshadowed Lennie’s death. Describe the
two killings, explaining the similarities and differences between them.”
• The predatory nature of human existence – Weak characters in ‘Of Mice
and Men’ strive to destroy those who are even weaker than they. This is a
cruel lesson that oppression does not only come from the hands of the
strong or the powerful, but also from those who do not seem like threats.
The novel suggests that the most visible kind of strength –oppression- is
itself born of weakness. Candy’s dog and Lennie were victims of the
society they lived in. America’s Great Depression had no place for the old
or the weak, such as Candy’s dog. Lennie outlived his usefulness (his
strength) when he murdered Curley’s wife. As he ceased to be useful,
there was no place in this migrant world for him any longer. In the novel,
before he shoots Candy’s dog, Carlson says, “If you want me to, I’ll put the
old devil out of his misery right now and get it over with. Ain’t nothing left
for him. Can’t eat, can’t see, can’t even walk without hurtin’ (…) We can’t
sleep with him stinkin’ around here.” In this novel Carlson represents
society’s opinion of the time. He is an example of a flat character; he exists
only to make a statement. Steinbeck’s statement is that the predatory
nature of human existence has no place for the weak. Their only use is
that they can be oppressed to give others strength.
Class Task:
“The killing of Candy’s old dog foreshadowed Lennie’s death. Describe the
two killings, explaining the similarities and differences between them.”
• Write 4 paragraphs (1 has already been done for you) on the themes
selected, linking them to the above essay question.
• For each paragraph, follow the SEXY structure.
• Remember statement… explanation… example (quote)… and why (why
have you used your quote?)
• When you have finished your paragraphs, go back and write your
introductions and conclusions.
• You will finish these for homework.