Of Mice and Men

# Essay Prompt: *Of Mice and Men* by John Steinbeck **Prompt:** In *Of Mice and Men*, John Steinbeck presents the idea that the American Dream remains out of reach for those who are marginalized and powerless. Write a well-structured argumentative essay in which you **agree or disagree** with the following statement: > **Steinbeck illustrates through the tragic friendship of George and Lennie that systemic social and economic forces render the American Dream unattainable for society's most vulnerable individuals.** In your essay, make sure to: - Create a clear, debatable thesis that takes a stance on the statement above. - Back up your argument with **at least three pieces of textual evidence** from the novel. - Analyze how Steinbeck employs **literary devices** (such as symbolism, foreshadowing, characterization, or setting) to strengthen your argument. - Consider and refute **at least one counterargument**. - Conclude by reflecting on how Steinbeck's message is relevant to our society today. **Suggested length:** 4–6 paragraphs (approximately 600–900 words)

ap_lit · common_core_ela · gcse_english_lit · aqa

# Essay Prompt: *Of Mice and Men* by John Steinbeck **Prompt:** In *Of Mice and Men*, John Steinbeck presents the idea that the American Dream is ultimately out of reach for those who are marginalized and powerless. Write a well-structured essay where you **either agree or disagree** with this perspective, using **specific evidence from the novel** to support your argument. Your essay should: - **Introduce** the main conflict of the novel and state your thesis in the opening paragraph. - **Analyze at least three characters** (e.g., George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, or Curley's wife) and examine how their aspirations, dreams, and failures reflect — or challenge — Steinbeck's view of the American Dream. - **Examine how power and social circumstances** (such as race, disability, gender, and class) influence each character's fate. - **Consider Steinbeck's use of literary devices** — including symbolism, foreshadowing, and motifs — in reinforcing his thematic message. - **Conclude** with a reflection on the broader social commentary of the novel and its relevance to the time period (1930s Great Depression America) and/or today. --- **Guiding Questions to Consider:** - What does the farm symbolize, and why does it remain unattainable? - How does loneliness act as both a cause and a consequence of the characters' struggles to fulfill their dreams? - Is George's final act one of mercy, defeat, or something more nuanced? How does it relate to the novel's central theme? --- *Your essay should consist of **4–6 paragraphs** with a clear thesis, textual evidence, and analysis.*

ap_lit · common_core_ela · gcse_english_literature · aqa · ib_lang_lit

# Essay Prompt: *Of Mice and Men* by John Steinbeck **Prompt:** In *Of Mice and Men*, John Steinbeck suggests that the American Dream is out of reach for those who are marginalized and powerless. In a well-structured essay, discuss how Steinbeck explores the dynamics between George and Lennie, the recurring themes of dreams and isolation, and the social realities of the Great Depression to show how systemic inequality crushes the aspirations of those forgotten by society. Back up your argument with specific textual evidence and analysis.

ap_lit · ap_lang · common_core · gcse · aqa