Of Mice and Men

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Of Mice and Men

Today?

- What did you think?

- Trailer

-Background + discussion questions

- Assignment

- Exit ticket

Describe the novel in one word

John Steinbeck

- Grew up during the 1920's and the Great Depression

- Lived, just like the characters in of Mice and Men, in Southern Californa

- Wrote social novels dealing with the economic problems of rural labour

During the 1920's and 1930's the thought of 'The American Dream' was very popular.

American Dream

"That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. (...) It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."

What is the 'American Dream'

Why is the American Dream so attractive?

Is the American Dream truly 'attainable' by all people?

The Great Depression

- 1929 Wall Street Crash

- One third of America's population was unemployed

- Hardship, no jobs, 'hooverville'

- Transformed American politics, welfare-state

What was the Great Depression

What effect did the Great Depression have on the lives of ordinary Americans?

What effect did the Dust Bowl have on farmers?

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

Now you! 

- Together with a partner finish up the background information of the American dream. 

- Together with a partner, do the assignment on of Mice and Men. You are allowed to use the internet! 

- Help eachother out! 

A Hologram for the King

The Circle