Lennie George A GCSE guide to “Of Mice and Men”

How has Steinbeck encouraged you to feel towards the character of Curley’s wife? Point Steinbeck encourages the reader to feel as if Curley’s wife is a strong woman with a stature of sophistication. Evidence This can be made evident as she is seen with “rouged lips” and how “her fingernails were red”. Analysis The use of “rouged” can be linked with French language which portrays her as very articulate and well-educated in contrast to the poverty of society and workers at the time. This would also show how Steinbeck breaks down the stereotypes of women at the time. The repetition of the colour red could portray love but also danger which then immediately shows the two possible sides of Curley’s wife. Speculation However, the fact that Curley’s wife was “heavily made up” could show that she wishes to hide her true intentions with a façade, the French origin of “façade” and “rogued” could mean that she feels her own language isn’t good enough for her. The personality of Curley’s Wife shown by Steinbeck differs greatly to that of her appearance as her appearance is seen as very glamorous and attractive when in actual fact her personality is quite the opposite.

Checklist for analysing a quote Connotation Symbolism Religious factors Use of colour Multiple interpretations Break it down! Read between the lines! Reader’s perspective Writer’s intentions Use of specific words Pronunciation Harsh words – ASSONANCE! Alliteration

Analysing Language Things to look out for… Literary techniques Colloquial language Use of assonance Harsh or smooth words! Syntax and punctuation Grammar Use of tenses, past - present - future Perspective Dual narratives Imagery Colours Scenery/pathetic fallacy CONNOTATIONS! Try to think like the writer!

Analysing Structure Things to look out for… Sentence length Paragraphs Short sentences Pauses Paragraphs Short Paragraphs Connectives Wide variety Time phrases Progression Chapter by chapter

Analysing Form Things to look out for… Use of the type of text Style Poem Poster Style Dual narrations Change of Perspective/1st person/3rd person Genre References Aim or target Portrayal Target Audience