Discussion questions for Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
What is important about the title? What is the famous reference? What are the conflicts in Of Mice and Men? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional)?How does John Steinbeck reveal character in Of Mice and Men?What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- What are some symbols in Of Mice and Men? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
Who is the protagonist of the story? Support your claim with evidence from the story.Who or what (does not have to be a person) is the antagonist in the novel? How do you know this? Again, show support from the novel. How essential is the setting to the story?How essential is the historical time period to this story? Discuss how the time period and the Great Depression figure into the theme.Is this story relevant for today? Explain your answer and opinion.
What is the role of women in the text? How are females portrayed?Discuss the friendships between the males in the story.
- Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?