The Pearl/Of Mice and Men
The Pearl is a social commentary about human beings and their predicaments, both self-created and circumstantial, and their representations of humanity. Derived from an Indian legend of the Pearl of the World, the story tells of the family of Kino, a native American in lower California. Five days of Kino and Juana’s life is recorded as disaster strikes many times. Family unity and the values of honesty, integrity, and brotherhood are what Kino lives by throughout his struggles.
Of Mice and Men is a story of friendship between two migrant workers in lower California who shared a dream. Their dream is destroyed and one man pays the ultimate price for its loss. The novel illustrates that regardless of whether or not characters are accountable for the circumstances and situations in which they find themselves, they represent all humanity. Key aspects include the importance of dreams and the moral principles that motivate characters.
About the Series:
Novel/Drama curriculum units contain complete lesson plans with preliminary and follow-up work, teacher notes with plot summary, background, and rationale, ready-to-use worksheets, and suggested answers for student questions. These study guides encourage the development of thinking, reading, speaking, research, and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Price: $19.95
Literary Form
American Novel
Student Activities
Students study character and theme, place characters in new circumstances and consider the outcome, and write about dreams—formally or as personal introspection. They also examine communication and communication problems, solve intellectual puzzles, and hold a mock trial. A final lesson examines Steinbeck’s place in literature as a social critic.
Supplementary materials include reading quizzes with answer keys.
Ethical Values
- Compassion
- Endurance
- Faith
- Justice
- Loyalty
- Self-actualization