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John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men:An Analysis of Moral Themes and Political Correctness
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John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men: An Analysis of Moral Themes and Political Correctness Dustin Ronald White Honors Sophomore English, Period 4 Mrs. King June 9, 2003 John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men Take-Home Essay Test Outline Directions: Of Mice and Men is a very controversial book, often on the ‘Banned Books’ list. Analyze the moral theme(s) presented in the book, and argue whether it is justifiably on the list or if everybody should read it. Goals: q Analyze the moral theme(s) presented in the book o 2-3 Themes, with at least 1 example for each theme q Is its placement on the ‘Banned Books’ list justifiable? NO. Why? o 2-3 Reasons, with at least 1 example for each reason Moral themes: q Judgment o Does Lennie deserve the punishment he receives as a consequence of his mental retardation? q Importance of ‘thought before action’ o By seeing Lennie’s mistakes via his actions toward accidentally killing things o George knows that Lennie cannot take care of himself; so why does George leave Lennie to himself in the barn (which is out of site of George) while George plays horseshoes. q Illustrates the importance of looking after those that can’t for themselves o Those that haven’t learned how to respond to events should not be penalized for their ignorance. It is like punishing a toddler for not sharing; they simply cannot grasp the idea. Why everyone should read the book: q Demonstrates the of a migratory farmer of the 1930’s. q Explains the significance of companionship. q This book should not be rejected for foul language unless it is in poor taste and portrayed in a manner other than to set the personality of a specific stereotype or character; and it is not. This book uses foul language to set the personality and the way people spoke as migratory farmers. q Portrays American lust for Naturalism. Possibilities of why this book should be banned: q Depicts human nature in its most raw form, which is in effect demeaning of our current beliefs of civil behavior. (But it is necessary to be shown to demonstrate human behavior in this time period and how low people can be and to what depths they will result to for the sake of being superior) Conclusion: q Pros outweigh the cons.
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