Of Mice and Men 3-27-15

Writing Prompts:

1) Brainstorm the different types of conflicts, create a chart that addresses the conflict, and the effect that the conflict has had on the plot so far.

2) From your brainstorming session, choose at least two conflicts to explore more in depth. Be sure to include textual evidence and support and also identify the effect that the conflict has had on the plot so far.

Pages Read: 37 - 66

          When Candy had to choose whether or not to let Carlson kill his dog, it was a Man vs Self situation. So far in the plot Candy has been devastated by this. I know this becuase the book says, "Candy lat still, staring at the ceiling." pg 49. I think this shows that Candy didn't want to talk to anyone and just wanted to be in his own little world. Also, when page 53 when it says, "He didn't look at old Candy, who still faced the wall." I think this means that Candy didn't want to look at Carlson, who had killed his dog, or at the gun, becuase it was used to shoot his dog. So far in the plot you see that this decision was one Candy was not proud of.

          When Curley starts to beat up Lennie, it was a Man vs Man situation. Curley comes into the bunkhouse looking for his wife and sees Lennie smiling, so he starts to beats him up. So far in the plot it has made Lennie afraid of the ranch, and makes him want to leave it more then he already does. I think this will cause some more trouble later becuase Curley will want revenge on Lennie for crushing his hand during the fight. On page 65 it says, "'I won't tell,' said Curley. He avoided looking at Lennie." In this situation it seems like Curley is scared of Lennie, but I still feel he will find some other way to win. Whether he will try and get him kicked out, try and beat him up again, or try and make him leave, I think some way Curley will try and get Lennie for what he did.

          When Curley accuses Slim of being with his wife, it was a Man vs Man situation. Slim calls Curley's wife things like "...good lookin'..." but it doesn't mean he is with Curley's wife. Curley and the other men in the bunkhouse go out with Curley becuase they think Slim and Curley are going to have some kind of fight. When the men return to the bunkhouse, Slim is really mad at Curley for accusing him, and Curley is trying to apologize. So far in the plot it has made thing weird and tense between Slim and Curley. I think we will see this have some negative effects later on in the book.

Commented on: Mia Devin Diana

Of Mice and Men Blog 4-20-15

Writing Prompts:
1) Describe the atmosphere of the ranch and the bunkhouse. Be sure to include characteristics of different character that were formally or informally introduced to is in this chapter. Support your choice with textual evidence.

2) Why doesn't Curley's wife have a name? What message, if anything, is John Steinbeck trying to send by not giving her a name? Support your choice with textual evidence and interpretation.

Pages Read: 0 - 37


          The bunkhouse was "...a long, rectangular building..." with "...small, square windows, and...a solid door with a wooden latch." The bunkhouse was filled with bunks and shelves where the occupants could put their personal belongings. This shows that it was not very fancy looking and had just enough space and objects for what was needed.

The atmosphere of the bunkhouse seems to be a mix between friendly and mean or tense. There are friendly people, such as Slim and Candy, make the atmosphere a friendly and kind environment. Rude or mean people, such as Curley and The Boss, make the atmosphere of the bunkhouse a little negative. The ranch might be a little different considering it includes other workers, such as Lennie and George. The atmosphere might be sad or depressing because of the hard work and labor the people must do. The atmosphere could also be a kind of happy environment because the people might have that kind of attitude and vibe. The atmosphere could also be a mixture between both of those things. There will probably be some kind people, and some people that cause negative feelings.

          It seems like the people at the ranch are a mixture of kind an not kind people. Slim, for example, was very kind to Lennie and George. When Slim speaks, he talks in a friendly tone and speaks with kindness. Carlson also seems to be friendly toward the George and Lennie. People, such as Curley, seems to dislike the new workers. By the way Curley fixes his body when around the two, shows his feeling towards George and Lennie. On page 25 it states, "He glanced coldly at George and then Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists, he stiffened and went into a slight crouch." This shows that Curley has some negative feelings about George and Lennie.

          The Boss seemed like a guy that was strict, but understanding. It didn't question George to much when things got suspicious. Candy described him as a "...pretty nice fella...gets pretty mad sometimes, but he's pretty nice." This shows that the boss is a kind person, at least in Candy's opinion.

          Candy is an "old swamper" and tries to gain trust and respect from George and Lennie. Candy gives them information on the ranch and the people there. He is very kind and helpful towards George and Lennie. Candy also has a very old dog that Carlson wants to replace with one of Slim's new pups.

          I think Curley's wife doesn't have a name because in this time women were not treated equal to men. Curley's wife not having a name shows that she belongs to Curley. I think John Steinbeck is trying to send a message that says: women didn't or shouldn't have the same equal rights as men. Instead of giving her a name, Curley's wife is always referred to as "she","her", "girl", or " woman.

Commented on: Siari, Jared (the text is black so you will have to highlight to see it), Justin

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 3-13-15

Writing Prompt: If the author were here, what would you ask him/her?

          I haven't really gotten far in the book but I already have questions I want to ask the author. The author of this book is Mark Haddon. A question I would ask Mark Haddon is: Does this story connect with you in some way? I would ask this because the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is about a boy with mental illness, and I was wondering if the author connected with this in any way. For example, does the author have a mental illness? Does the author have a friend with a mental illness? Does Mark Haddon have a family with a mental illness? Things that have to do with the connection the author has to mental illness in general.

          Another question I would ask Mark Haddon is: How did you get the idea for this story? This question would probably connected with the connection Mark Haddon has with this book. I want to know if Mark has any real strong reasons for this book. For example, Is this based on something you've witnessed? Does this have something to do with you? Things that would help me find out how this book came to be.

          A different question I would ask Mark Haddon would be: Was it hard to write this book? This might also go in with the connection with this book. If Mark had a connection with the book then maybe this book wasn't so hard to write. If the author did not have a connection with this book, and it was all made up from the mind, then it might've been difficult to think of and create.

Commented on: Bianey, Emily, and Saul