Of Mice and Men Literature Essay Some Feedback and Advice

General Feedback 1.Link your points to themes where possible. E.g. Crooks is discriminated against because he is black. He is physically segregated from the other ranchers by living in a stable with the horses. As a result, Crooks is also used as a character to explore the theme of loneliness, as we see that it is the discrimination against him that leads to him being treated as an outsider who rarely has company.

2. Remember the word SIGNIFICANCE or IMPORTANCE E.g. Slim is significance because he represents acceptance of others and human kindness, two qualities that were in short supply within the context of such a ranch. The theme of discrimination is important because it highlights how difficult it was to exist in a world where you were a minority group.

3. Avoid Sweeping Statements E.g. The only choices open to women at the time were to marry someone or become a prostitute. NO! Other than Aunt Clara, the only women referred to in the novella are Susie and Clara who run brothels. Steinbeck may be emphasising the few opportunities open to women at the time where the only successful female characters in the novella have chosen the route of prostitution, which may be disapproved of by the reader. Everyone was racist in 1930’s America and all old people were put out on the streets when they couldn’t work anymore. NO!

Implicit Meaning… Steinbeck may be suggesting… This could imply that… One interpretation is….on the other hand… Perhaps Steinbeck… Instead of: This shows… This suggests/connotes/implies When Steinbeck is stressing something… This emphasises/reflects/reinforces/further supports

Lulu/Loo-Loo "Got five pups, huh. Gonna keep all of 'em?" "I dunno. Have to keep 'em a while so they can drink Lulu's milk.“ Slim’s dog is called Lulu. A loo-loo was a slang term for sexy woman which is used in a derogatory way about Curley’s wife. Lulu and loo-loo sound the same. Perhaps Steinbeck is suggesting that the ranchers see Curley’s wife as having no higher status than a dog.

Of Mice and Men Literature Essay Feedback You have / need to: 1.Include(d) a clear, focused introduction 2.Show(n) strong knowledge and understanding of the novel/theme/character 3.Support(ed) points with sufficient relevant quotations 4.Identify/Identified literary techniques and analysed these 5.Analyse(d) some of your quotations (zooming in) 6.Show(n) sustained understanding of how the novel relates to the social and historical context 7.Develop(ed) your ideas fully 8.Write/Written clearly, with good use of spelling, grammar, punctuation and organisation 9.Include(d) a conclusion, summing up the importance of the theme/character