Of Mice and Men - Symbolism in Literature

English
Year 9
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet focusing on symbolism in 'Of Mice and Men', designed for Year 9 students to develop their understanding of literary techniques through grammar analysis.

Worksheet Preview

Full preview • 8 questions

Of Mice and Men - Symbolism in Literature

Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz

Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9
A

Introduction to Symbolism in 'Of Mice and Men'

Scene Summary: In the opening chapters of 'Of Mice and Men', George and Lennie arrive at a ranch during the Great Depression era, seeking employment. The narrative introduces symbols like the farm dream, which represents hope and security, and Candy's dog, symbolising the fate of the weak and old. The setting of the ranch, with its barred windows and oppressive atmosphere, reflects themes of entrapment and confinement. The brief quote 'a little pin, a little black box' encapsulates the sense of containment and the fragile hopes of the characters. Context Guide: John Steinbeck utilises symbolism extensively throughout his novel to deepen the thematic layers. The farm dream embodies the characters’ aspirations for a better life, contrasting with the harshness of their reality. The characters’ interactions and settings often serve as metaphors for societal constraints and personal struggles. Recognising these symbols helps readers understand the underlying messages Steinbeck conveys about human hopes, fears, and the brutal realities of life during the 1930s.
B

Questions on Symbolism and Literary Techniques

Answer each question thoughtfully. Use evidence from the passage where appropriate.
1.
Identify one symbol mentioned in the scene summary and explain its significance.
[2 marks]
2.
What literary technique is exemplified by the phrase 'a little pin, a little black box'?
[2 marks]
3.
Describe how the setting of the ranch reflects themes of entrapment.
[4 marks]
4.
Identify a different literary device Steinbeck uses in the passage and explain its effect.
[2 marks]
5.
How does the symbol of Candy's dog contribute to the novel's themes?
[2 marks]
6.
Explain how Steinbeck's use of symbolism enhances the reader's understanding of the characters' hopes.
[4 marks]
7.
Identify and explain one example of symbolism used in the scene summary.
[2 marks]
8.
Discuss how the setting described in the context guide reflects the wider social themes of the novel.
[4 marks]

Unlock Full Worksheet & Answers

Get instant access to the complete worksheet, answer keys, and 1,899 others

Unlimited answer keys for all worksheets
Download clean, formatted PDFs
Customize and remix any worksheet

Cancel anytime • No commitment • Start today

Quick Actions

What is Remix?

Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.

  • • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
  • • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
  • • Add more questions (10 → 15)
  • • Adjust difficulty

Details

Created
12/31/2025
Updated
12/31/2025
Type
worksheet