The Growth of My Writing Skills: Writing Diagnostic, Writing for an Effect, Portfolio Assignment, Personal Piece, Of Mice and Men, and the Twilight Zone
Of Mice and Men is a novel written by John Steinbeck, first published in 1937 It tells the story of two men, George and Lennie, who are struggling to make a living on a ranch during the Great Depression. The novel is a conversation between these two characters, in which they talk about their dreams, relationship, and life in general.
Of Mice and Men is a classic novel that is often studied in American schools, so it’s important for students to understand the themes and ideas presented in it. Here are five of the best Of Mice and Men essay topics that can help students explore the novel in more depth:
1. Explore the relationship between George and Lennie
George and Lennie are the two main characters in Of Mice and Men, and their relationship is instrumental in the novel. They have a deep but complex friendship, and exploring the way their relationship evolves over the course of the novel is a great topic for an essay.
2. Examine the impact of the Great Depression on the characters
In Of Mice and Men, the characters live during the time of the Great Depression. Analyzing how the economic climate of the time affects their behavior, outlook, and dreams is a great way to learn about life during this period of history.
3. Discuss the importance of dreams in the novel
Throughout the novel, the characters discuss their dreams of owning a small patch of land, working together, and living a better life. Discussing the importance of dreams as motivators and aspirations helps to understand the main themes of the novel.
4. Compare and contrast the roles of men and women
In the novel, men are often seen as strong and independent while women are presented as weak and dependent. Examining the differences between the roles of men and women provides insight into gender roles during the 1930s.
5. Analyze the significance of the title
The title of the novel is an allusion to a Robert Burns poem. Exploring the significance of the title and how it ties into the themes of the novel can help to understand the overall meaning of the book.
These are just five of the many topics that can be explored when discussing Of Mice and Men. The novel is full of themes, characters, and events that can provide insight into life during the Great Depression. By exploring these topics in essays or other assignments, students can gain a better understanding of the novel and its legacy.