Where does the title of the book come from?
The reference here is to a poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns. Read the poem. Be sure to pay attention to the seventh paragraph.
OK, I read the poem. So what does it have to do with the novel?
If you're asking this question, it's a pretty sure bet your teacher has asked you for an explanation. That means that you are supposed to come up with the answer, not me. Bummer, huh?
I will admit, however, that Robert Burns's poetry can be a tad difficult to understand. So, if it will help, I'll offer you this paraphrase of the crucial two lines from the poem.
From the poem: The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men / Gang aft agley
Paraphrase: No matter how hard or well we plan for something, our plans can often fail to become reality...or worse, they can end up going terribly wrong.
Think of the plans made by George and Lennie. Think about what ultimately happens. Got it?
Can you help me prepare for the GCSE exam?
I'm sorry to report that I have absolutely no information about the GCSE. I have never taken it, taught it...I've never even seen it! I'm located in Los Angeles, California...in America, where students don't take this test. So I'm afraid I can be of no help to all of you UK students preparing for this examination. I do wish you well, however!
Why don't you have longer chapter summaries on your site?
Because that's not the purpose of the site. This site is intended to be an annotation of the novel -- not as a substitute for actually reading it! This site was designed to help you as you read by defining some of the book's tricky vocabulary, etc.
Can you provide me with information about literary elements found in the novel - - like irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, etc.?
Nope. If I do this sort of work for you, you'll never learn to do it for yourself. And that is, after all, the whole point of the school thing you're involved in.
I can refer you to an excellent online glossary of literary terms. You will not find specific references to Of Mice and Men there, but you will find helpful definitions and explanations of the various literary elements you may need to deal with.
I have some essay/homework questions my teacher gave me. If I send them to you, will you answer them for me?
No can do.
I realize that this is not the answer you want, but it's the best one I can give you. Please try to understand my position. On one hand, I'd like to help. On the other hand, were I to answer all such requests, I'd have little time to do anything else. In addition, as a teacher myself, I feel it is important that students attempt to complete their assignments on their own whenever possible. Assignments such as the one you have been given are intended to give you an opportunity to think for yourself and to grow as a reader and a scholar. Getting the answers from me or from anyone else may help you in the short run, but you will ultimately be cheating yourself out of part of the education you have been working to obtain.
What is Curly's wife's name?
Ya' got me. Steinbeck does not give her a name.
Why not?
Hmmmmm. Good question. What do you think?
May I place a link to your site on mine?
Absolutely! All I ask is that you email me the URL to your site, especially if you're an educator. I'm always interested in seeing other teachers' web sites!
Do you have any other Student Survival Guides?
So far, I have one other Student Survival Guide on the WWW. It's the To Kill a Mockingbird Student Survival Guide. I'm always open to suggestions as to a new Student Survival Guide. Got an idea? Email me!
