PROMPT #1—BRAINSTORMING
1. Analyze one character from Of Mice and Men. How would you describe this character? How
does the character grow? What are his/her motivations? Consider addressing different aspects of
this character, including his/her appearance, what he/she says, what he/she does, and what others
say about him/her. Use quotes and evidence from the text to support your assertions about the
character.
What character from Of Mice and Men will you analyze? __________________________________
List five ways you would describe that character (remember—use unique word choice):
Now, take a look at the descriptions above. Which three descriptions can you PROVE using the text of
the story? Place those character descriptions on lines A, B, and C below.
A: ___________________________
Quotes /page #s
*
*
B: ___________________________
Quotes /page #s
*
*
C: ___________________________
Quotes /page #s
*
*
Rough Characterization Outline:
Introduction:
Hook
Background
Thesis (Character + three descriptions)
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence (character + trait description + your opinion commentary)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence (character + new trait description + your opinion commentary)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Body Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence (character + new trait description + your opinion commentary)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Conclusion:
Reword Thesis (in fresh, new language)
Review your main ideas
What can be learned from this analysis (about the characters? About mankind? About the author’s
purpose?)
PROMPT #2--BRAINSTORMING
1. Discuss the use of symbolism within Of Mice and Men. There are several prominent symbols
throughout the story; identify the symbols and discuss their significance to the characters and
themes of the work. Consider how Steinbeck uses the symbols to impact the reader. Use quotes
and evidence from the text to support your assertions.
List five different objects, characters, places, etc that could be considered symbols from your story. Then
identify what larger idea they could symbolize.
1.
__________________________________=________________________________________
2. __________________________________=________________________________________
3.
__________________________________=________________________________________
4.
__________________________________=________________________________________
5. __________________________________=________________________________________
Now, take a look at the items above. Which three symbols can you PROVE their meaning, and deeply
discuss their use in the text of the story? Place those symbols and what they mean on lines A, B, and C
below.
A: ___________________________
2 Quotes /page #s
B: ___________________________
2 Quotes /page #s
C: ___________________________
2 Quotes /page #s
Rough Symbolism Outline:
Introduction:
Hook
Background
Thesis (Symbols + meaning + impact on the reader)
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence (symbol + it’s meaning + your opinion commentary on how it enhances the story)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence (symbol + it’s meaning + your opinion commentary on how it enhances the story)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Body Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence (symbol + it’s meaning + your opinion commentary on how it enhances the story)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Conclusion:
Reword Thesis (in fresh, new language)
Review your main ideas
What can be learned from this analysis (about symbols? About mankind? About the author’s
purpose?)
PROMPT #3—BRAINSTORMING
2. Discuss one of the dominant themes of the work. Identify the theme and discuss its development
throughout the work and its application for the main characters. Use quotes and evidence from the
text to support your assertions.
Think of two different themes. Remember a theme is not a lesson or just one word. Instead a theme
follows this formula: Theme = feeling/emotion/concept + result (as seen in the story). Here’s an example
of one theme from Romeo and Juliet: love can be a cause of violence. Now you try two of your own for
the short story above.
1.
2.
Now, take a look at the themes above. Which theme can you PROVE using the text of the story? How is
the theme expressed in the characters, setting, conflict, symbols, etc. On each line below, write the theme
and one way (characters, setting, conflict, symbols, etc) you saw it in the story. Then find quotes to
support your ideas.
A: ___________________________
2 Quotes /page #s
B: ___________________________
2 Quotes /page #s
C: ___________________________
2 Quotes /page #s
Rough Theme Outline:
Introduction:
Hook
Background
Thesis (Theme + three places it is seen in the story)
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence (Theme + the first way it’s expressed)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence (Theme + the first way it’s expressed)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Body Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence (Theme + the first way it’s expressed)
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme.
Lead-in phrase + QUOTE
Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme.
Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)
Conclusion:
Reword Thesis (in fresh, new language)
Review your main ideas
What can be learned from this analysis (about theme? About mankind? About the author’s
purpose?)