This lesson plan helps students analyze the major themes, symbols and motifs in *Of Mice and Men* by John Steinbeck using a visual storyboard organizer.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 8–10 · Time: 45–60 minutes
Major themes
| Theme | Description | Key scenes |
|---|---|---|
| The American Dream | The desire for land and independence | George and Lennie's dream farm |
| Loneliness | Isolation of migrant workers | Crooks' room, Candy's dog |
| Friendship | Loyalty in a harsh world | George and Lennie's bond |
| Power and weakness | The strong prey on the weak | Curley's aggression, Lennie's strength |
| Prejudice | Discrimination based on race, age, disability | Crooks, Curley's wife, Candy |
Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The farm | The American Dream, hope |
| Lennie's mice | Innocence, unintended destruction |
| Candy's dog | The fate of the old and weak |
| Curley's wife | Loneliness, unfulfilled dreams |
| The saloon | Escape, temporary comfort |
Motifs
- Animals: Lennie's love of soft things, the natural world
- Hands: Strength, violence, tenderness
- Light and dark: Hope vs. despair
Activity: Storyboard the symbols
- Open Storyboard Creator with a 6-panel layout
- Choose 3 symbols from above
- For each symbol, create 2 panels showing it in the novel and explaining its meaning
- Add captions with page or section numbers
- Export PDF or share a live link