Prompt #1 Brainstorming

PROMPT #1—BRAINSTORMING

1. Analyze one character from Of Mice and Men. Address all aspects of this character, including his/her appearance, what he/she says, what he/she does, and what others say about him/her. Use quotes and evidence from the text to support your assertions about the character. Make sure that you aren’t simply reiterating the text, rather that you are drawing conclusions about the character using the text as your starting point.

What character from Of Mice and Men will you analyze? ______

List five ways you would describe that character (remember—use unique word choice):

Now, take a look at the descriptions above. Which three descriptions can you PROVE using the text of the story? Place those character descriptions on lines A, B, and C below.

A: ______Quotes /page #s *

Quotes /page #s B: ______*

Quotes /page #s C: ______*

* Rough Characterization Outline:

Introduction: Hook Background Thesis (Character + three descriptions)

Body Paragraph 1: Topic sentence (character + trait description + your opinion commentary) Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character. Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character. Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)

Body Paragraph 2: Topic sentence (character + new trait description + your opinion commentary) Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character. Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character. Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)

Body Paragraph 3: Topic sentence (character + new trait description + your opinion commentary) Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character. Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the character. Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)

Conclusion: Reword Thesis (in fresh, new language) Review your main ideas What can be learned from this analysis (about the characters? About mankind? About the author’s purpose?) PROMPT #2--BRAINSTORMING 2. Discuss the use of symbolism within Of Mice and Men. There are several prominent symbols throughout the story; identify the symbols and discuss their significance to the characters and themes of the work. Use quotes and evidence from the text to support your assertions.

List five different objects, characters, places, etc that could be considered symbols from your story. Then identify what larger idea they could symbolize.

1. ______=______

2. ______=______

3. ______=______

4. ______=______

5. ______=______

Now, take a look at the items above. Which three symbols can you PROVE their meaning using the text of the story? Place those symbols and what they mean on lines A, B, and C below.

A: ______2 Quotes /page #s

B: ______2 Quotes /page #s

C: ______2 Quotes /page #s Rough Symbolism Outline:

Introduction: Hook Background Thesis (Character + three symbols)

Body Paragraph 1: Topic sentence (symbol + it’s meaning + your opinion commentary on how it enhances the story) Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol. Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the symbol. Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)

Conclusion: Reword Thesis (in fresh, new language) Review your main ideas What can be learned from this analysis (about symbols? About mankind? About the author’s purpose?) PROMPT #3—BRAINSTORMING

3. Discuss one of the dominant themes of the work. Identify the theme and discuss its development throughout the work and its application for the main characters. Use quotes and evidence from the text to support your assertions.

Think of two different themes. Remember a theme is not a lesson or just one word. Instead a theme follows this formula: Theme = felling/emotion/concept + result (as seen in the story). Here’s an example of one theme from Romeo and Juliet: love can be a cause of violence. Now you try two of your own for the short story above. 1.

Now, take a look at the themes above. Which theme can you PROVE using the text of the story? How is the theme expressed in the characters, setting, conflict, symbols, etc. On each line below, write the theme and one way (characters, setting, conflict, symbols, etc) you saw it in the story. Then find quotes to support your ideas.

A: ______2 Quotes /page #s

B: ______2 Quotes /page #s

C: ______2 Quotes /page #s Rough Theme Outline:

Introduction: Hook Background Thesis (Theme + three places it is seen in the story)

Body Paragraph 1: Topic sentence (Theme + the first way it’s expressed) Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme. Lead-in phrase + QUOTE Explanation of quote and what it proves about the theme. Summary sentence (recap your topic sentence)

Conclusion: Reword Thesis (in fresh, new language) Review your main ideas What can be learned from this analysis (about theme? About mankind? About the author’s purpose?)