Novel Reaction: Thinking Forward

We have investigated many captivating themes that exist in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men over the last few weeks.  You have explored the desperation and poverty of the American 1930s through pictures and video.  You have witnessed how John Steinbeck used naturalism to portray certain characters as "human beasts" acting on impulsiveness and instinct for self-preservation.  You have examined how the author used literary devices such as sentimentalism, diction, tone, parallelism, and foreshadowing in order to propel these themes.  You have close-read and analyzed the text digging deeper and deeper for evidence of themes such as Power vs. Powerlessness, Individual vs. Community, The American Dream, Euthanasia, Racism, Loneliness, and maybe even a little Sexism.  Pat yourself on the back!  You have been critically thinking about this novella on so many different levels. 

For this week's blog response, you need to make some pretty serious decisions!  We are quickly approaching the time where you will be expected to write your Research Paper based on a topic of interest from Of Mice and Men.  If you have been keeping up with your reading, completing your notes, participating in conversations and activities during class on the various themes, and completing your blog responses this choice will be fairly easy!  If not, you may be in for a struggle....

What topic or theme that we have touched on during this unit has "hit home" with you the most?  Which theme or topic has a personal connection for you?  Which did you find most captivating or interesting to discuss and investigate during this unit?  Select a topic/theme from the list above that peaks your interest, and, in this week's blog response, discuss why you find it fascinating, which moment in the story you think about when reflecting on this theme, and how this theme is relevant in today's world.

The theme that I found most interesting was loneliness. I find loneliness fascinating because so many people in the world are lonely, and no one is aware. Loneliness can lead to bigger issues, such as depression, and suicide. It's a scary thing, and all you need is someone to be there for you. But it still isn't enough, because they don't understand, they won't understand. For all we know, our best friend could be lonely, but they won't tell us, they don't want to burden us with their problems.

When I think about the novella Of Mice and Men, many of the characters are lonely. Lennie, could as well be hiding his problems, he's trying to fit in, which most people with such problems do. Without Lennie, who would George have? No one. He's been with Lennie so long, he probably wouldn't want anyone. Curley is always looking for his wife, has anyone thought he could be so controlling because he doesn't want to loose her? Curley's wife just wants control, she married Curley to defy her mom. She could miss her mom, it's expected. Crooks probably misses his family and all the property he used to have. He's excluded, he has to sleep somewhere else because he's 'colored'.

  The psychological and Health Consequences of Loneliness: http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/livingwithpd/a/Loneliness.htm