Symbolism and Allegory Of Mice and Men

Refresher Symbol - something that on the surface is its literal self, but also has another meaning or even several meanings beyond itself. Allegory - a story in which characters, settings, and actions stand for something beyond themselves. There is a literal meaning AND a figurative or symbolic meaning. Typically, an allegory has a moral or lesson associated with it.  

Part I - Individual Symbols Choose 3 characters from Of Mice and Men to represent symbolically. List the character’s name followed by a symbol that you feel would represent that character based on events and situations in the novel. Finally, explain why you chose the symbol you did for each character and HOW it fully represents your character (using examples from the text).

Part II – Group Symbols In addition to attaching symbolic meaning to the characters individually, now try doing it with groups. Identify and explain groups in society that are being symbolically represented. To do this, list characters together in groups, and explain what group in society they represent overall. Explain why you believe this, using examples from the text.

Part III – Of Mice and Men as an Allegory Use the information you put together on symbols to help answer this question… How is Of Mice and Men an allegory? Think about the fact that you have a literal story about two men trying to make a living during hard times… now, what is the figurative meaning behind this story? Explain your answer fully using examples from the text to support it. In addition, include what you believe to be the lesson or moral for this allegory as well (again… cite examples).