Novel Reaction: Thinking Forward

We have investigated many captivating themes that exist in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men over the last few weeks.  You have explored the desperation and poverty of the American 1930s through pictures and video.  You have witnessed how John Steinbeck used naturalism to portray certain characters as "human beasts" acting on impulsiveness and instinct for self-preservation.  You have examined how the author used literary devices such as sentimentalism, diction, tone, parallelism, and foreshadowing in order to propel these themes.  You have close-read and analyzed the text digging deeper and deeper for evidence of themes such as Power vs. Powerlessness, Individual vs. Community, The American Dream, Euthanasia, Racism, Loneliness, and maybe even a little Sexism.  Pat yourself on the back!  You have been critically thinking about this novella on so many different levels. 

For this week's blog response, you need to make some pretty serious decisions!  We are quickly approaching the time where you will be expected to write your Research Paper based on a topic of interest from Of Mice and Men.  If you have been keeping up with your reading, completing your notes, participating in conversations and activities during class on the various themes, and completing your blog responses this choice will be fairly easy!  If not, you may be in for a struggle....
What topic or theme that we have touched on during this unit has "hit home" with you the most?  Which theme or topic has a personal connection for you?  Which did you find most captivating or interesting to discuss and investigate during this unit?  Select a topic/theme from the list above that peaks your interest, and, in this week's blog response, discuss why you find it fascinating, which moment in the story you think about when reflecting on this theme, and how this theme is relevant in today's world.


Racism really hit my heart as we were reading Of Mice and Men.  This is because there are so many different ways that Steinbeck put it in the story.
I had a connection with loneliness.  I felt connected to this because I know what it is like when you have no one to turn too.
I really liked talking about the american dream in class.  This is because it was interesting to see how people back then couldn't always reach their goal but know we can.Racism really peaks my interest.  I find it fascinating because so many other themes tie into it.  Racism excludes so many people. From skin color to people with disabilities.  
I really think about racism in chapter 4.  In this chapter we really are introduced to Crooks "THE NEGRO"(pg 67).  He has to sleep in a barn like he is an animal.  It he gets to close to someone he gets in trouble for it.  He has to keep his distance from people and people have to keep theirs (pg 68).  He doesn't have as many options in life as the white people do.  


This theme is relevant in today's society because not everyone has the same opportunities.  Just because they are different they can't do everything that "normal" people can.

Here is a link about racism--RacismNoWay