Themes of Mice and Men

Which of the following is a major theme in "Of Mice and Men"?

• Power

• Adventure

• Betrayal

• Magic

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DOK Level 1: Recall

In "Of Mice and Men," which character is most associated with the theme of loneliness?

• George

• Lennie

• Curley's wife

• Slim

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What does the farm that George and Lennie dream of symbolize?

• Wealth

• Freedom and security

• Power

• Danger

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which character in "Of Mice and Men" represents the theme of powerlessness?

• Curley

• Candy

• Carlson

• The Boss

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Why do Lennie and George feel they're different from other guys?

• George and Lennie actually have money saved up.

• George and Lennie actually love working on ranches.

• George and Lennie have a dream for their future.

• George and Lennie have each other.

Match the following

• Preparation and Planning for the Future

• George instructs Lennie on how to avoid trouble, underscoring their precarious situation. Their evening routine and reiterated dreams offer a mix of hope and foreshadowing of challenges to come.

• 1. 
     Initial Interaction and Conflict

• A conversation about owning their land introduces their shared dream, symbolizing hope and the pursuit of happiness. This dream contrasts sharply with their reality as itinerant workers, emphasizing the theme of aspiration.

• The Dream of Owning Land

• A vivid description of a serene natural setting by the Salinas River, setting a peaceful backdrop that contrasts with the story's later events. It sketches a picturesque scene that introduces the tranquil yet transient nature of the environment.

• Introduction of George and Lennie

• George and Lennie enter the scene, showcasing their contrasting appearances and personalities. Their bond and dynamics are laid out, with Lennie's childlike dependence on George highlighted against George's protective, yet frustrated, role.

• Introduction to the Setting

• Their conversation reveals the depth of their relationship and foreshadows the challenges ahead. George's frustration over Lennie's fascination with a dead mouse underscores Lennie's innocence and George's protective nature.

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CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

What are some of the big ideas in the novel?

• the American dream

• friendship

• loneliness

• all of the above

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CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Which of the following best describes the theme of power and powerlessness in "Of Mice and Men"?

• The struggle for dominance in a competitive world

• The inevitability of fate

• The pursuit of happiness

• The importance of family

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How does Steinbeck use characterization to highlight the theme of loneliness?

• By showing characters' interactions with nature

• By depicting characters' internal monologues

• By illustrating characters' isolation from each other

• By focusing on characters' dreams and aspirations

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does the death of Candy's dog foreshadow later events in the novel?

• It shows the harsh realities of ranch life.

• It hints at the eventual fate of Lennie.

• It emphasizes the theme of loneliness.

• It highlights the theme of friendship.

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CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9