1. The Power of Of Mice and Men Teacher: Hillesland Grade: 9 School: Vista del Lago High School The novel Of Mice and Men is provocative—the surprise ending makes students want to discuss the text and the events that lead to such tragedy. Because of the narrator, and the differences between societal prejudices vs. Steinbeck’s view, the story offers rich discussion topics. The characters are ambiguous—is the female character, who is never given a name, a villain or a tragic character? Is George justified in his actions? Moving students to see different sides of these questions and introducing them to textual analysis and reading while making inferences based on rhetorical strategies, teaches the students transferable skills that can be used in any reading.

2. Big Ideas Writing is a persuasive, political and powerful act—authors write to offer their commentary on social, political, religious, and governmental norms of the age. Critical thinking skills are necessary to interpret and analyze an author’s views. Authors use rhetorical strategies to create characters, plot, and setting in order to get ideas across. By analyzing how characters interact with each other and their environment, we can infer what the author thinks of a particular topic. These topics and how they are developed in a piece act as the theme(s) of a piece. Readers can interact with and analyze an author’s themes. Students can incorporate their awareness of an author’s writing techniques into their own writing, and recognize the power in writing and communication through this process.

3. Enduring Outcomes Each of the following outcomes is connected: understanding the powerful nature of writing, seeing the rhetorical strategies of the author, discussing these in a purposeful, knowledgeable way, all allow students to build a comprehensive understanding of Steinbeck’s themes. Students should see that power can come from knowledge and understanding–many will disagree with this assertion based on present political and societal values and perceptions of America’s place in the world, so this unit will question some present paradigms of thought. All centered on essential questions: What is the purpose of this text? With what topics does Steinbeck focus? How does Steinbeck interpret power?

4. Differentiation/Sample Lessons Analytical: Analyze author’s theme topics: Find three passages on assigned topic. Annotate piece, marking up rhetorical strategies, diction, tone, figurative elements, etc. Large group (4-5) project: Lead a class interpretation/discussion of assigned topic, using textual support and evidence to lead discussion. Creative: Power Graphic: Create a personification of power—a child, adult, male, female, race, religion, income level, etc. Include picture and account of “Power” and his/her life. Practical: Essay prompt: Steinbeck develops a number of themes in his novel, Of Mice and Men. Choose one of those themes and discuss how it, coupled with his characters and the time period, demonstrate his purpose in writing.