Of Mice and Men - Context: Great Depression
English
Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet covering Of Mice and Men with a focus on the historical context of the Great Depression, designed for Grade 8 students to analyze themes, language, and techniques.
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Of Mice and Men - Context: Great Depression
Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Grade 8
A
Context and Setting
During the Great Depression, which began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, millions of Americans faced unemployment, economic hardship, and social upheaval. Steinbeck’s 'Of Mice and Men' is set against this backdrop, portraying the struggles of displaced ranch workers seeking stability and dignity. The novel opens with George and Lennie, itinerant workers drifting between jobs, reflecting the unstable employment landscape of the era. Steinbeck captures the sense of hopelessness and the pursuit of the American Dream that many lacked during this period. Phrases such as 'hard-luck time' and 'the depression' evoke the economic despair, while characters’ aspirations highlight the universal desire for a better life amid hardship. The setting underscores themes of loneliness, insecurity, and the pursuit of companionship, making the novel a poignant reflection of the societal tensions during the Great Depression.
1.
What major economic event forms the backdrop of 'Of Mice and Men'?
[2 marks]2.
Describe two ways Steinbeck reflects the economic hardship of the era in the novel’s setting.
[3 marks]3.
Identify one phrase from the passage that emphasizes the economic difficulties faced by characters.
[1 mark]4.
How does the setting contribute to the themes of loneliness and insecurity?
[3 marks]5.
Analyze how Steinbeck uses specific language to evoke the era's economic despair. Provide an example from the passage.
6.
Identify a literary technique Steinbeck employs to depict the societal struggles during the Great Depression.
[2 marks]7.
Explain how the characters’ dreams reflect the broader social issues of the Great Depression.
[3 marks]8.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet