Of Mice and Men—Prose Analysis

Justification: Since you are the class of EMHS students that has not been exposed to the works and style of John Steinbeck because of curriculum shuffling, we found that to be quite insulting to your overall literary high school experience. Therefore, we have decided to put an end to your ignorance of the man and his works by combining AP Exam preparation and one of his most memorable novellas. We say novella because you will (hopefully) experience the world of John Steinbeck in a “cover-to-cover” time period. Yes, we would like for you to read a short piece of fiction from cover-to-cover. When is the last time you have done that?! The purpose of this assignment is for each student to select a passage from the piece for a personalized Prose Analysis Free-Response question.
Directions:
1. Closely read Of Mice and Men (preferably in one sitting—two to three hours). As a class we have studied the works of Robert Burns (“To a Mouse”). Your understanding of Robert Burns’ message/purpose/theme (“the best laid schemes of mice and men”) will help you enjoy and interpret this slice of American literature.
2. While reading, keep in mind what TWO pages or the unbroken equivalent of two pages would suffice for a Prose analysis Free Response question for the AP Exam. Your selected passage must have a logical beginning and end. If you google: Of Mice and Men full text, you will find a complete PDF file (only 54 pages, mind you).
http://staff.oswego.org/ephaneuf/web/ENG_9R/Steinbeck,%20John%20-%20Of%20Mice%20and%20Men.pdf
Copy, paste, and print your passage.
3. The question concerning your passage needs to be leaning towards language and tone. (DIDLS-possibly??) You will have to compose the question with a specific prompt. Browse the list of Prose Analysis prompts on AP Central, and write one that would logically fit your selected passage.
4. You guessed it!! You will answer your created Prose Analysis question— timed, and in class. However, first thing’s first. READ, ENJOY, and FALL IN LOVE with Steinbeck.