The Pursuit of Happiness: Examining Characters in Of Mice and Men

• English
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

The Pursuit of Happiness: Examining Characters in Of Mice and Men

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to analyze the likelihood of any character in Of Mice and Men attaining happiness.

What do you already know about the characters in Of Mice and Men and their chances of attaining happiness?

Slide 1: Introduction

Introduce the novella 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck and briefly explain the context and setting.

Slide 2: Character Analysis - George

Examine George's dreams, responsibilities, and the barriers he faces in achieving happiness.

Slide 3: Character Analysis - Lennie

Discuss Lennie's desires, limitations, and the impact of his actions on his potential for happiness.

Slide 4: Character Analysis - Curley's Wife

Explore Curley's Wife's aspirations, loneliness, and the societal constraints that prevent her from finding happiness.

Slide 5: Character Analysis - Crooks

Examine Crooks' isolation, longing for companionship, and the racial discrimination that hinders his happiness.

Slide 6: Character Analysis - Candy

Discuss Candy's hopes, regrets, and how his attachment to his dog reflects his quest for happiness.

Slide 7: Character Analysis - Curley

Explore Curley's aggressive nature, insecurities, and the impact on his own happiness and those around him.

Slide 8: Comparison and Contrast

Compare the characters' chances of attaining happiness and discuss common themes in their pursuits.

Slide 9: Class Discussion

Encourage students to share their thoughts on which character(s) they believe have the greatest potential for happiness and why.

Slide 10: Conclusion

Summarize the key points discussed and encourage students to reflect on the complexities of happiness in the novella.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.