Please write a response journal in your Reader’s Notebook (or typing them is fine too!) after reading each chapter. You may choose to do any of the following topics, at any time. However, some topics make more sense as you read further into the book. Remember that your journal must be AT LEAST one full page of written response. You will submit six completed response journals at the completion of the novella. Each will be checked as a homework grade along the way: either a 0 or a 100. The completed collection of journals will count as a Reading grade. The rubric for open-ended responses will be used (0-4/entry= 24 points for the entire journal).
• Describe and discuss the relationship between George and Lennie. What is it like?
• Discuss Lennie’s character. How is Lennie compared to different animals and what might Steinbeck be trying to suggest through these comparisons? Give specific examples.
• How is the theme of loneliness shown in this story so far? Give specific examples.
• How is the theme of violence shown in this story so far? Give specific examples.
• What is George and Lennie’s shared dream? What is its significance to their future? (why is it so important?)
• Symbolism is the author’s use of a name or a detail to represent a “larger”, more important, idea about the story. What symbol(s) have you noticed in the story so far, and what do they seem to represent?
• How is the theme of innocence and its loss shown in this story so far? Give specific examples.
• How is the theme of discrimination (any type) shown in this story so far? Give specific examples.
• Many of the characters in this story have unrealized dreams. Choose one and explain the significance of it to the rest of the story.
• How does the ranch and those who live and work there represent American society? Explain with specific details.
• Who is your favorite character in this book? Explain in your selection in detail.
• If you could “vote” one of the characters off of the ranch, who would it be, and why? Explain.
• Discuss the opinion of and treatment of women in this story. Give specific examples.
• In what way is our theme of humanity related to the events of this story?
• Create your own topic!