57 Thought-Provoking Of Mice And Men Journal Prompts For Students

Tackling Of Mice and Men in your English lit class? We’ve got 57 quality journal prompts that you can pair with the novella! With them on hand, you can encourage your learners to tackle creative writing in a new way whilst simultaneously solidifying key themes and concepts throughout the book. Peruse our collection for inspiration on where to begin! 

1. Describe the relationship between George and Lennie. What makes their friendship unique?

2. Discuss the dream that George and Lennie share. Why is it so important to both of them?

3. Why do you think Steinbeck chose to set the novel during the Great Depression?

4. Discuss the theme of loneliness in the novel.

5. How does the setting of the ranch impact the characters and their interactions?

6. How does Curley’s wife contribute to the tragic events of the novel?

7. What is the significance of the title, “Of Mice and Men”?

8. Discuss the importance of the American Dream in the novel.

9. Describe how Steinbeck uses animal imagery in the novel.

10. Compare and contrast George and Lennie. How do their differences complement each other?

11. How does Steinbeck portray the concept of power and powerlessness in the novel?

12. Discuss the ending of the novel. Was George’s action justified?

13. How does the character of Crooks reflect the racial attitudes of the time?

14. Discuss the role of violence in the novel.

15. How does Steinbeck use foreshadowing in the novel?

16. Describe your impressions of Slim. What role does he play in the novel?

17. Why do you think George tells Lennie the story of their dream so often?

18. Explore the concept of fate versus free will in “Of Mice and Men”.

19. Analyze the character of Curley. Why does he act the way he does?

20. What is the significance of Candy’s dog in the story?

21. Discuss the theme of friendship in “Of Mice and Men”.

22. How does the novel explore the idea of hope in hopeless circumstances?

23. What does the bunkhouse represent in the novel?

24. Explore the theme of dreams versus reality in the novel.

25. What is the importance of the character of Carlson in the novel?

26. Analyze the role of women in “Of Mice and Men”.

27. Discuss how Steinbeck portrays the theme of isolation through different characters.

28. Explore the concept of masculinity in the novel.

29. How does the novel explore the nature of human existence?

30. Describe your reaction to Lennie’s actions in the barn with Curley’s wife.

31. How does Steinbeck use the character of Candy to highlight the plight of the elderly?

32. What is the significance of the river in the novel?

33. Discuss the character of Whit. How does he represent the average ranch worker?

34. Analyze the cyclical nature of the novel. What purpose does it serve?

35. How does Steinbeck use symbolism in “Of Mice and Men”?

36. Explore the concept of innocence and its loss in the novel.

37. How does the novel explore the consequences of lack of communication?

38. Discuss the role of empathy in the novel.

39. Discuss how the novel addresses the concept of moral responsibility.

40. How does Steinbeck portray life on a ranch in the 1930s?

41. Analyze the interaction between George and Slim. What does it reveal about their characters?

42. How does Steinbeck use the character of Curley’s wife to explore the theme of loneliness?

43. Discuss the symbolic significance of the game of horseshoes in the novel.

44. What is the importance of the dream farm in the novel?

45. How does the novel challenge or reinforce stereotypes of the time?

46. Discuss the character of Aunt Clara. How does her presence impact Lennie?

47. How does Steinbeck use the character of Lennie to explore the theme of vulnerability?

48. What does the rabbit symbolize in “Of Mice and Men”?

49. Explore the concept of camaraderie and its significance in the novel.

50. How does Steinbeck portray the social hierarchy on the ranch?

51. What role does nature play in the novel?

52. Analyze the character of Lennie. How does his mental impairment affect his actions and the narrative?

53. Discuss the theme of sacrifice in the novel.

54. How does Steinbeck depict the struggle for survival in the harsh environment of the ranch?

55. Explore the theme of shattered dreams in the novel.

56. How does Steinbeck present the character of George? Is he a hero or a victim?

57. How does the novel explore the concept of respect and dignity?