Of Mice and Men - The World of 1937 - Check

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

The world of 1937

What are the three themes of
Of Mice and Men?

Check homework

You answered nine questions about The World of 1937

You should know more about:

The American Dream

The Great Depression

The Dust Bowl

1. What is the American Dream?

The American Dream is the ideal of equality, liberty and happiness; through hard work everybody is able to improve their lives and achieve that which they deserve based on their abilities. (e.g. rags to riches).

2. Why is the American Dream so attractive?

1. You don't need to work hard
2. It will be given to you
3. Anyone can achieve it if they work hard
4. Your family needs to be rich

3. Is the American Dream in general truly ‘attainable’ by all people?

1. Yes, working hard makes you rich
2. No, working hard just to survive
3. Yes, fair opportunities for everyone
4. No, only the rich can achieve it

4. What was the Great Depression?

A worldwide economic crisis starting in America and taking place during the 1930s (1930-1936), following the economic prosperity of the 1920s. 

The crash of the stock market in 1929 is usually referred to as the inciting incident.

5. What effect did the Great Depression NOT have on the lives of ordinary Americans?

1. They lost their jobs
2. They lost their savings
3. They had to pay more taxes
4. It caused extreme poverty

6. How did the Great Depression NOT change American society?

1. People lost hope in the Americain dream
2. Resulted in subsidizing pensions and aids
3. Government became protector of well-being
4. The government gained more influence

7. What was the Dust Bowl?

A period of drought and dust storms; because of the farming practices in the Midwest and lack of rain the land dried out and harvest was minimal. 

The dry soil was easily picked up by the wind, causing clouds and storms of dust. 

8. What effect did the Dust Bowl have on the lives of farmers?

1. Their animals died
2. No rain = hardly any harvest
3. They left towards the West
4. They became sick

9. How did the events of Great Depression and the Dust Bowl challenge the concept of the American Dream?

1. Working hard wasn't enough anymore
2. People needed help from the government
3. People lost their jobs = can't work hard
4. People lost their homes = no safe place/dream

Finishing up

You know:

Why the novel is called Of Mice and Men

The three main themes

Background information on the world of 1937

What now?

You are now ready to read the novel Of Mice and Men

You can find the PDF in Teams and Magister

This week you need to read Chapter 1