Of Mice and Men Literary Analysis Paper
Sophomore English – Ms. Fox
What is a literary analysis? It is a paper where you give your personal interpretation of a piece of
literature. In this instance, you will be asked to write a five paragraph essay analyzing one specific
aspect of the novella Of Mice and Men. The most important point to remember about writing an
analysis is that VERY LITTLE of your paper should tell us details about the novel. Instead, you
should explain why the details of the novel support your thesis statement.
STEP 1:
Choose one topic and then write your thesis statement! You have been given handouts or notes and
had in-class discussions on all of the topics below. Use this information when writing your paper.
1.
Explore the theme of loneliness and isolation in the novel. Explain how three of the
characters exercise power over others and if they use the power for good or for selfish
purposes.
2.
Explore darkness and light are used as a literary technique by Steinbeck to affect the
mood of the novel. Choose three specific instances to analyze this effect.
3.
Compare and contrast how Steinbeck uses animal imagery to reflect upon the emotional
state of the novel’s characters.
4.
Discuss the ways in which Curley’s wife appears to be a victim rather than a floozy.
Discuss her dream, her confessions to Lennie, her loneliness and despair, and any other
things she experiences that the reader might be able to sympathize with.
STEP 2:
Complete an outline centered on your chosen topic.
DATE DUE: __________________ (-5 if not completed by the due date)
STEP 3:
Write your thesis statement. Avoid all first person references or the word
“you” anywhere in your essay. Remember, a thesis statement:
 Is a statement, not a question
 Identifies the subject and provides commentary (your view of the subject)
 Tells the reader what you will be writing about in your paper
 Is the LAST sentence of your introduction
Example Thesis Statement: The use of light and darkness in Of Mice and Men captures the
essence of characters’ ever-changing moods throughout the novel.
STEP 4:
Write your rough draft. Rough drafts should be:
 Double-spaced
 Written in pen or typed
 Include quotations and citations from the novel
 Four to five paragraphs. It needs an introduction with an attention-getter and a
thesis statement, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph that
summarizes the main ideas of your paper in a NEW way.
 Read through the checklist in step 5 to make improvements to your draft.
DATE DUE: __________________ (-5 if not completed by the due date)
STEP 5:
Have someone peer-edit your rough draft using the checklist below.
Peer-editing Checklist:
Name of Editor: _______________________
Be sure to include comments
+ = well done ? = unclear/can improve
- = not done/poor
_____
Make sure each body paragraph has a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph will be about.
COMMENT:
_____ Make sure each body paragraph stays focused on the topic that you introduced with your topic sentence.
COMMENT:
_____ Include transitions that help the sentences and paragraphs flow smoothly.
COMMENT:
_____ Vary word choices and avoid hit-list words and passive voice verbs. Use present tense verbs.
COMMENT:
Incorrect:
Correct:
Steinbeck wrote about migrant farmers.
Steinbeck writes about migrant farmers.
_____ Punctuate quotes correctly with a citation at the end. You do not need to write the author’s name in the
parenthesis since everyone in the class is writing about the same book. Just put the page number with a period at the
very end. COMMENT:
_____ Underline OR italicize the title of the novel and include the title in your paper’s introduction.
COMMENT:
_____ No first person (I, me, my, our, us) and second person (all forms of you). The are not appropriate for a formal
essay. Exception: when in a direct quote.
Incorrect: I believe that Lennis tries to make good decisions.
Correct: Lennie tries to make good decisions.
_____ Write out contractions and abbreviations (ALWAYS in formal essays).
_____ Incorporate 3-5 quotations from the novel, cite page in parenthesis, and provide analysis.
COMMENT:
_____ The paper contains a clear voice, establishing a point of view which is well-supported an in line with the thesis.
COMMENT:
_____ The person reading your paper has read the book. DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE STORY! You must analyze
the story (give your interpretation) using the TIQA Method:
TIQA Method for Body Paragraphs:
Body paragraphs, for the most part, follow the TIQA structure:
 Topic Sentence
 Introductory information (background) for the supporting quote or example
 Quotation or example from the work that proves the topic sentence
 Analysis showing how and why the quote proves the topic sentence
COMMENT:
STEP 6:
Produce your final essay (typed, double-spaced, size 12 Times New Roman font)
Staple grading rubric to front of paper.
DATE DUE: ___________________
Of Mice and Men
Literary Analysis Essay Rubric
Sophomore English – Ms. Stofflet
Author________________________________________________________
Title of Essay __________________________________________________
Ideas and Content: 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
8
9
10
Paper has an original title related to focus.
Paper has a thesis which controls the entire paper.
Thesis (last sentence of intro.) contains a literary idea worth discussion which can be debated.
Thesis is specific enough to limit the paper appropriately.
Thesis is adequately supported with evidence from literature (3-5 quotes from the novel).
Paper balances commentary (your analysis) and concrete detail. {Use the TIQA Method}
Organization:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Arguments are presented logically with similar grouped together, not scattered throughout the paper.
Introduction leads reader comfortably into the thesis.
Topic sentences are appropriate.
Writer provides appropriate transitions.
Paper maintains present tense throughout.
Voice/Fluency:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Paper is appropriate to audience and purpose.
Tone fits purpose of paper.
Writer’s originality and creativity is reflected in the tone of the paper.
Sentences flow naturally.
Sentences have variety in structure and length
Word Choice:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Vivid nouns and verbs.
Paper contains appropriate level of words.
No informal or slang words.
No first or second person references.
No contractions or abbreviations.
Conventions/:
Mechanics
0
1
Quotations are cited.
Uses proper capitalization, punctuation, and usage.
Sentence structure is appropriate.
Shows evidence of editing for accuracy.
Total: _____/50
Brainstorming
Rough Draft