Embedded Files
Set in the town of Soledad, California, this novella explores the experiences of Lennie Small and George Milton, two migrant workers who have entered the town to find work. Set during the Great Depression, the experiences of the text’s characters reflect the challenges and prejudices experienced by those in the United States at this time. Lennie and George have a unique and moving relationship that tests the limits of what friends can and should do for each other. Steinbeck’s novella illustrates the power relationships amongst characters with different racial, class, and gender identities, as well as dis/abilities. Traditionally taught in the high school curriculum, this unit asks students to examine the text from a critical perspective in order to unpack these power relationships in historical context.
Big Ideas:
The Great Depression devastated the lives of those living and working in the United States.
The traditional stories told about the Great Depression have been whitewashed.
Laborers are exploited in times of economic crisis.
The American Dream is a symbol ingrained in the American psyche.
The American Dream is not attainable for all Americans.
Friendships are complicated and dynamic.
Culminating Task: Great historical events often have deep effects upon the people who live through them. Depending on the person and the situation, those effects can be very different.
You are going to read a short article about the Dust Bowl days in American history titled “Black Blizzard.” You will also look at some photographs taken during that time period. As you read and study the photographs, think about how this experience may have affected the individual people who lived through it.
Finally, you will write a narrative, showing how a particular small moment during this experience affected one person.
Lesson Guidance Documents : These documents provide guidance for lesson planning.
Lesson Guidance Documents : These documents provide guidance for lesson planning.
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