Of Mice and Men Essay Assignment
Step 1: Choose 1 of the following prompts.
1. Isolation/Loneliness: All the characters seem to be isolated or lonely in some way, even
though they are always near other people. Are loneliness and isolation are caused by social
barriers, by personal choice, or both? Using evidence from the book, explain Steinbeck’s
attitude toward or beliefs about isolation and loneliness.
2. Hope, Dreams, and Loss of Hope: Many of the characters express their hopes and dreams
and experience a loss of hope. What are their dreams? Are these dreams possible to attain?
What causes them to lose their hope? Using evidence from the book, explain Steinbeck’s
attitude toward or beliefs about hopes, dreams, and hopelessness.
Step 2: Decide What Is Steinbeck’s Message About The Thematic Idea
This will be half of your thesis statement.
Decide what Steinbeck’s is attitude toward or belief about the thematic idea. What is he trying to
say? What is his message to the reader? What are we supposed to learn from reading this book?
Examples:
1. Steinbeck believes that loneliness and isolation are caused by social barriers, not personal
choice.
2. Steinbeck believes that dreams are unattainable and will always lead to a loss of hope.
Step 3: Decide How Steinbeck Conveys His Message
This will be the other half of your thesis statement.
How does Steinbeck convey that message in the book? What literary devices does he use?
Literary devices can include: dialogue, foreshadowing, characterization, plot details, word choice,
contrast/conflict between characters, and symbolism. (Have another idea? Ask me.)
You can choose whatever literary devices and message you want, but you MUST be able to support
those ideas with evidence from the text.
Step 4: Write a Thesis Statement and Get it Approved by Ms. Kitamorn
Your thesis statement will have two parts:
Literary devices Steinbeck uses
+
Steinbeck’s attitude toward or belief about the thematic idea
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------An acceptable thesis statement
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Of Mice and Men Essay Assignment
Examples:
1. Steinbeck’s characterization and dialogue convey his belief that isolation is caused by social
barriers, not by personal choice.
2. Steinbeck uses conflict and foreshadowing to prove that dreams are unattainable and will
always lead to a loss of hope.
Due: _____________________________________
Step 5: Find Evidence from the Text to Support Your Thesis Statement
You must include 4 pieces of evidence from the book (quotations to support your ideas) in your
essay.
Each piece of evidence must connect to or support your thesis statement. The pieces of evidence
need to be examples of the literary device(s) you chose and need to help support the message you
are writing about.
Due: _____________________________________
Step 6: Write an Outline with Commentary
See attached handout.
Step 7: Write a First Draft – 50 points
A first draft is not “rough.” It is your BEST EFFORT. You will have more time to work on your First
Draft than on your Final Draft. Use it wisely.
Follow formal academic writing and MLA formatting rules. (See your handout)
Due: _____________________________________
Step 8: Make Corrections and Write a Final Draft – 100 points
Score your essay using the rubric and attach to your Final Draft.
Due: _____________________________________
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