“Used to wash his hands even after he ate.”

First, I want to give back your personal essays and talk a bit about them. Then, we’ll take a little time to make edits and officially enter the contest.

I’m hoping to hear a few of the mp3s which were created. Am I crazy?

Then, I want to talk about Of Mice and Men. This will be our next unit and my plan is to read the novella, explore the themes, learn about literary terms and create short movies that demonstrate those literary themes.  All by December break.

Let’s try an Internet Scavenger Hunt. Answer all of these questions on a Word document and be prepared to email it to me. For all of these answers, always explain where you got your information.:

1) What was the price of a coat during the 1930s when the book was set and published (1937)?

2) The book takes places in Salinas, California.  Find a photo of Salinas then and now.

3) Explain what a work card is and how migrant farmers found work in the 20s and 30s.

4) John Steinbeck was a controversial writer. Explain why he was famous and why he was controvesial.

5) Where does the title “Of Mice and Men” come from and what does it mean?

6) Give me a few of the lyrics of a popular song written within a few years of 1937.

7) There have been at least 3 movie/TV versions of “Of Mice and Men.” Give me the names of three men who played George.

Eight) Find a famous painting painted in 1937.

9) Where and why was “Of Mice and Men” banned?

10) How did people dress in 1937?  Find 2 pictures: 1 of well-off people and another of working class people.

Resources: Life Magazine photo archive, American Memory, National Steinbeck society, Prices: Then and Now, Surviving the Dust Bowl.

After we do that and share our answers, we’ll start reading “Of Mice and Men” in class.

HW: Read chapter 1 for next Tuesday.

Image credit: Life Magazine