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Planning a Top Band Essay: Of Mice and Men How does Steinbeck present the theme of loneliness in Of Mice and Men? Paragraph 1: Introduction 1.   Quotation 2.   Overview statement outlining importance of this idea in the text as a whole…. 3.   Link to Context and how this theme/idea/character/relationship is important in the text as a whole. Paragraph 2: Meaty example from the text #1 An episode that shows a complex picture of this theme/idea/character relationship. 2. Detailed analysis of how Steinbeck’s literary and language techniques in this episode impact the reader. 3. Link to Context and how this further impacts the reader. Paragraph 3: Meaty example from the text #2 1. A 2nd episode that shows a complex picture of this theme/idea/character relationship. 2. Detailed analysis of how Steinbeck’s literary and language techniques in this episode impact the reader. 3. Link to Context and how this further...

The dormitory in Paragraph 5  Paragraph 5 reads as if it is being described from the disapproving maternal viewpoint. The lightbulb which 'flickered spasmodically' highlights this weak and intermittent nature of the lighting in Sacha's room and gives the impression that soon even this poor lighting will give out completely. "Spasmodically" has connotations of a fevered person - it makes it sound like the lightbulb is undergoing the convulsions of illness and further suggests that soon it will sputter out completely. "Thin and worn mattresses" further implies that the furnishings are old and delapidated. It has unpleasant connotations as we start to understand that many people have stayed in this room before and it has barely been cleaned. "Welded shut"is an example of hyerbole - "Welded" implies metal that has been melted into place, perhaps by a blacksmith and suggests that the guests are imprisoned - no escape, and no chance of ai...

How to write top band (B,A, A*) analytical paragraphs Example question: How is the relationship of George and Lennie presented in the novel? A successful paragraph structure is: Opening Sentence: 1. What technique is being used? + Why?                                                                     The writer Steinbeck uses characterisation -           contrast -           dramatic irony -           pathetic fallacy ...

Beast of Bodmin Moor -aim to make 3 detailed points -each point needs to be closely related to the precise word choice of the writer "great, yellow, black-slitted orbs were caught in the headlines" Here the eyes of the beast are mentioned without reference to eyes which gives the beast an air of mystery. 'Great' and 'yellow' imply that the beast is enormous, and suggest that it is a monster and not to be found in the natural animal kingdom. Moreover, black-slitted yellow eyes have connotations of evil, suggesting that the beast is malevolent and bent on destruction. "Orb" further intensifies the impression of other worldliness. "coarse, raven-black coat" Coarse implies rough and unpleasant to the touch which makes the beast seem repulsive. Ravens are associated with violence and aggression, intensifying the impression of the beast as menacing and frightening. Coat makes it seem like the beast has the stereotypical cloak of an ev...

Lennie's death G + L's relationship *pathetic fallacy 'The shadow in the valley was bluer' it's getting colder and darker, just like the scene is>>> and George's life is 'darkening slopes'>>>>> sunset>>>>> end of Lennie's life/the sunset of his existence *The wind disturbs the pool >>> just as this event will permanently disturb George's world. * "Lennie removes his hat dutifully" Lennie seems loyal Lennie is obedient, he's like a child. "Lennie giggled like a child" George is the adult, paternal + fraternal >> pathos as we know that George should be a friend, not a parent. *George makes Lennie feel secure and safe *Recurring reference to shaking/trembling//George's voice and George's hand *"Skull and spine were joined" clinical description, body language - alerts the reader to what is going to happen>>>> build up of t...

Dreams and real life don't mix just like electricity and water don't mix. Dreams distract from everyday life  - for example, Curley's wife wants to be an actress but she can't. It is clear that this hope and aspiration isn't realistic. George only survives because he leaves his dream behind. Lennie's dream is clearly mythical. The characters who believe in the dream the most, who are most fervant in their hope for a better life are killed (Curley's wife and Lennie). Candy also has a dream and his dog gets shot and he is expendable to the ranch who want to get rid of him because he is old and weak. Steinbeck wants us to see that these people are all victimised by the fact that they have a dream, more than by the harsh realities of their life. >>> Steinbeck clearly wishes to disillusion us about the American Dream. When George talks to Slim ...... "I think I knowd from the very first. We'd never do her." There are glimmers ...

Loneliness and Alienation "We are the loneliest guys in the world" The trust that George and Lennie have is uncommon in the novella and indeed in 1930s America. "Maybe everybody in the whole damn world is scared of each other It is notable that Curley's wife dies because she seeks out human companionship>>> this shows how sick their society is. If you try and cure your loneliness you die.  Lennie also seeks out companionship and dies as a result and tragically because George and Lennie share such a faithful, loving friendship George ultimately must kill Lennie >>>>> therefore Steinbeck seems to wish to emphasise how in the end there is no hope for stable intimate relationships in the bleak world of the ranch. In the novella, every single character is lonely. This is the norm. This relates to Steinbeck's purpose in writing: EMOTIONAL DEPRIVATION OF THE COMMON RANCH WORKER.  'Soledad' >>> even the name of the ...

Use the notes as you read through the novel to help you have a sophisticated and detailed understanding of Steinbeck's techniques (A/A* grade level) Chapter 1: The Brush by the Salinas River  Possible exam question: Comment on the significance of the opening chapter and the extent to which it prepares us for the rest of the novel.  • Near Soledad – means loneliness in Spanish – foreshadows key theme in novel  • Vivid colours - peaceful, heavenly, idyllic setting –like Garden of Eden - snake  • Pathetic fallacy used to create a positive, harmonious mood •  ‘a path beaten hard by boys’ implies violence, predatory nature of man • Sense of invasion when people arrive  • Rabbits at peace with nature  • Ominous - something bad might happen How are George and Lennie described?  • George is ‘small and quick…’we are given the impression that he is almost mouse-like –link to ‘mice’ in title  • Lennie ‘snorted into the wa...