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 topic or theme that has "hit home" with me the most is The American Dream. Just to imagine that during this time, people had this amazing image of what is a perfect life and everyone wanted it since everyone was going through the Great Depression. The American Dream has a personal connection with me, because my family in Puerto Rico has always had this "American Dream" that wasn't their reality. My family still wishes for this dream and to have the perfect life but it's just not practical for them. The American Dream was the most interesting to discuss in class, because I knew of the American Dream but I didn't fully understand it. Now I understand that it was such a hard time back then to get a job and then everyone wanted this American Dream and they had to leave behind their families and hope they can make it California. In the story, The American Dream is portrayed through all the chapters so far. In the beginning Lennie and George specifically talk about going to have this amazing life in San Francisco. Then they actually make it all the way to find work and it shows that they pretty much achieved The American Dream. I think this theme is still relevant in today's world especially with the economy. In other Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Trinidad and any other islands have many people that wish everyday for The American Dream. Some of them wish they can give more to their families then they can in the islands they live in now.