Of Mice and Men

Socratic Seminar
Name: __________Grade:_________ Class:______ Period:___________
Socratic Seminar is a method of student discussion where you and other classmates will sit and discuss the novel Of
Mice and
Men. A question will be posed and students will respond by agreeing or disagreeing with thoughtful
opinions and textual evidence. Grades will be based on the number of times you respond during the discussion, on
the quality of your responses, and on your written preparation.
Tasks:
1. In small groups of four, discuss and prepare responses to the prep questions. Find at least 1-2
quotations per question (as evidence) in the text to support your answers in addition to your thoughts &
analysis.
2. Wild Card Question: Create at least 1 burning question that you have about the text. This question must
NOT be a yes or no question, but one that prompts a plethora of answers, opinions, and point of views.
You should attempt to answer your own question with thoughtful ideas and evidence from the text.
Use this grid to help keep track of your participation:

Comment 1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Comment 2

Comment 3

# of Questions
posed

Wild Card

= Thought provoking comment with quotes

= Adequate comment with quote
= Repetitive or obvious statement, no quote
= No comment or comment pulled out by teacher/peers

Of Mice and Men Socratic Seminar Questions

What is the meaning of the novellas title? How is the title appropriate for the characters, plot, and themes
in the novel?
Why does the book begin and end at the pond? Why does Steinbeck set the death of Lennie in the same
location as the opening scene? What does this setting represent to Lennie and George and why is it ironic
that Lennie meets his death here? What does that suggest in a larger sense about society?
Did George do the right thing by shooting Lennie? Why or why not?
At one point, George imagines what life would be like without Lennie. Why do you think he stays with
Lennie instead of going on alone?
What is your opinion of Curlys wife? How did it change throughout the book?
Discuss how a character in the novella struggles to free himself or herself from the power of others or seeks
to gain power over others. Be sure to demonstrate in your response how Steinbeck uses this power struggle
to enhance the meaning of the work.
Explain how the alienation of one or more of the characters illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.
What extent can Lennies death be considered symbolic? What dies with Lennie? What values did
Lennie represent that are arguably lost with his life?
How does placing the dream directly prior to the shooting of Lennie affect our perceptions of the dream, or
rather the possibility of the dreams realization?
Explain the meaning of the closing lines of the story. What do the lines reveal about Curley and Carlson?
Is killing ever justifiable? Explain your answer using examples from the text and history./current events.
Was George justified in how he handled Lennies mistake? Defend your answer with evidence.
Should the mentally ill be treated the same as any other criminal?
Define friendship. What role does friendship play in the novel?

15. Define the American Dream. What role does the American Dream play in this novel?
16. What does Candys life show about the treatment of the elderly in the 1930s?
17. Aristotle defined tragedy as a play about a basically good person, important to society, who suffers a fall
brought about by something in his or her nature, provoking the emotions of pity and fear in the audience.
Based on the above definition, show how the novel Of Mice and Men is a tragedy.
Based on this definition show how it is not a tragedy.
18. Research the Great Depression: What was happening in the country at that time economically, socially, and
politically? How is the novel a product of its historical context?
19. Do you think it is an oversight on Steinbecks part that Curleys wife was never given a name? If not, what
are some of the reasons the author might have chosen to leave this character nameless?
20. Steinbeck has his characters use racially derogatory terms. Why do you think he uses this language?
Given the context of the story, are these terms necessary? Is there any evidence to suggest that Steinbeck
shares his characters bigoted views of minorities?
21. Loneliness is a major theme in the novel. It is expressed in many of the things that the characters say and
do. Cite how loneliness is a part of the life of each of the following characters:
a. Crooks
b. Candy
c. Lennie
d. George
e. Curleys wife
22. The literary device of foreshadowing, or giving clues in advance of an important event, is used effectively
in this novel. Identify as many of the incidents and bits of dialogue as you can that provide clues to the
outcome.
23. This novel portrays several killings:
Carlson killing Candys dog
Lennie killing the pup
Lennie killing Curleys wife
George killing Lennie
Compare the motives for each of these killings and determine whether each was justified.
24. Research Of Mice and Men author John Steinbeck. What elements of Steinbecks life are apparent in the
novel?
25. Devise your own Wild Card question(s) to ask the group. Be specific and detailed about what you want
to discuss.

First Question/Comment:

Your thoughts:

EVIDENCE:

Second Question/Comment:

Your thoughts:

EVIDENCE:

Third Question/Comment:

Your thoughts:

EVIDENCE:

Handout adapted from handouts by BHS, Wayzata Public Schools, Hart High School