OMAM background & chapter one

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Of Mice and Men

Background, characters, synopsis

John Steinbeck

He spent his summer vacations working on local ranches. 

People he met during those summers greatly influenced the

characters he created throughout his career. 

Salinas Valley

'Write what you know' - what would you write about?

Characters I

• Lennie Small: a nondescript, hulking creature of a man whose childlike mentality continually gets him into scrapes with men who neither respect nor understand him.
• George Milton: a small, lean man, used to fighting for his place in the world. He oversees and protects Lennie.

Characters II

• Slim: a tall skinner (a highly skilled mule-driver) that serves as a counsellor to the ranch hands.
• Candy: The one-handed ranch worker who has lived past his prime.
• Curley: the boss’ son, he possesses a jealous, cruel streak
• Curley’s wife: never named, she is not respected by the men on the ranch.
• Crooks: the African-American stable buck is called Crooks because of a spinal injury inflicted by a kicking horse.

What makes an interesting character?

Synopsis

• Depression-era California
• George & Lennie's friendship, in contrast to the isolation of their peers.
• The way dreams can either sustain or discourage people.
• racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.
• Lonely people seeking happiness

Chapter one

• The questions lead you through the text
• Unless otherwise directed, you should answer in full sentences.

What have you learned?

Homework for wednesday

Read chapter 1 and answer the questions 

Put the answers in your PowerPoint in Teams