Name
Period 4
Of Mice and Men: Reading Assignments
Each chapter of Of Mice and Men has an accompanying writing assignment. That assignment
is due on the same day that the chapter of reading is due. In class on each day that an assignment is
due, we will have a class discussion on the chapter in general and the topic you were to write on.
Completing these writing assignments successfully requires close and careful reading of each chapter.
This book is deceptively simple to read. There is deeper meaning in those simple words. Find it!
Writing assignments WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE. They must be at a minimum one typed
double-spaced page each. They will be worth 50 points each. The deeper you dig, the more points you
will earn.
Chapter 1:
Due date: TU 3/25
There is a prevalent metaphor introduced in this chapter. To which character does it refer?
How is it used, and what is its impact on the story? Discuss thoroughly the metaphor and its
importance to the story.
Chapter 2:
Due date: TH 3/27
Discuss, in detail, the environment at the ranch. Which new characters do we meet? Describe
each and discuss what they contribute to the novel. How does each interact with the
protagonists? (This entry should be longer than one page.
Chapter 3:
Due date: M 3/31
Discuss the strong example of foreshadowing that we see in this chapter. Why is it so difficult
for the character most directly involved?
Chapter 4:
Due date: W 4/2
Discuss Lennie and Crooks’s interaction. Why is Crooks so hesitant at first to let Lennie in?
When Crooks does let Lennie in, how does he treat him, and why does he treat him this way?
Why is it significant that Candy, Crooks, and Lennie are the ones left behind? What does this
tell us about how the men on the ranch treat “others”?
Chapter 5:
Due date: F 4/4
Discuss the irony of Lennie’s actions at the beginning of the chapter. Who tries to console
him? What is the result of that encounter? Was this an inevitable result? Why?
Chapter 6:
Due date: TU 4/8
What is the last thing George says to Lennie? Discuss its importance. Explain the significance
of the novel’s last line.
Thematic Connections:
Due date:
Discuss Steinbeck’s commentary on the American dream as represented in this novel.
Creative Writing:
Due date:
You are the judge in the case of “The State of California vs. George Milton.” What is your
final verdict? What, if any, is the appropriate punishment? Explain your decision.
Name
Of Mice and Men
Speakin’ on the ranch
Despite its short length, Of Mice and Men can be a challenging book to read not the least
because of its language and vocabulary. A number of the words used in the book are unique to the
setting and may not be easily understood. Below is a list of vocabulary (with definitions) useful in
understanding the novel.
whitewash to paint with a very thin coat of white paint
hoosegow jail
gingham striped or checked cotton fabric
ticking the cloth case on a mattress or pillow
Stetson a cowboy’s hat
airedale a type of dog
pulp magazine inexpensive magazines printed on cheap paper featuring short, entertaining
stories
snooker a type of game of pool
patent medicine phony medical remedy
liniment ointment
vial container usually made of glass
rheumatism a condition causing stiffness and pain
Name
Of Mice and Men
Vocabulary
It’s time for vocabulary! Listed below you will find words used in Of Mice and Men. You are going
to find the word in the chapter, write the sentence the word appears in, and then make an educated
guess as to the meaning of the word based on the way it is used in the sentence (the context). We will
review the words together in class and write down correct definitions.
Chapter 1
Junctures (page
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debris (page )
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mottled (page )
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recumbent (page )
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heron (page )
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stilted (page
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Chapter 2
scowl (page
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complacently (page )
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archly (page
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flounce (page
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tart (page )
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skeptically (page )
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Chapter 3
poised (page
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receptive (page )
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reverently (page )
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subdued (page
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reprehensible (page
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Chapter 4
aloof (page
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fawning (page )
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sullenly (page )
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mauled (page )
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disarming (page )
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overt (page )
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Chapters 5 & 6
cringe (page )
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retort (page )
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belligerently (page
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sulkily (page )
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consoled (page )
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