Of Mice and Men Socratic Discussion:  

Essential questions  
Theme: The Hopes & Dreams: Are hopes and dreams necessary for people to be “productive”
and work hard or can we/ should we be “satisfied” with what we have- even if it isn’t much? 
 
Your thoughts about the theme: 
 

 
 
Textual evidence to support your thinking (from book and articles, must have 3 total. Do not
forget to provide where you got your evidence from). 
1st Textual evidence:  
 
 
 
2nd textual evidence: 
 
 
 
3rd textual evidence:  
 
 
 
Theme: Marginalization (disregarding others)/ Discrimination: One could argue that
Steinbeck’s view is that marginalization and discrimination are just part of the American
life. Based on the book and the articles (and other texts we have read) do you agree or
disagree?  
 
Your response: 
 
 

 
1st Textual evidence:  
 
 
2nd textual evidence: 
 
 
3rd textual evidence:  
 
 
Theme: Justice: This is a tricky subject within this book. Think of all the times justice “was
served” to people in the book. Based on what you read, what does author wants us to learn
about justice from this book?  Think further…What is point of the end of the book? 
(Think about theme statements and of ALL the characters who “get what they *might*
deserve” in the book) 
Your response: 
 
 

1st Textual evidence:  
 
 
2nd textual evidence: 
 
 
3rd textual evidence: