Lesson 2: Themes, Protest Writing & Structure**

Deepen students’ understanding of Of Mice and Men with this engaging, fully‑resourced lesson exploring Steinbeck as a protest writer, the novella’s major themes, and the structural choices that shape its meaning. Perfect for Year 9 and adaptable for KS3/KS4, this lesson builds the conceptual foundations students need before reading further into the text.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain Steinbeck’s role as a protest writer and how his work challenges social injustice.
• Identify key themes such as loneliness and the American Dream.
• Define foreshadowing and understand its purpose in narrative structure.
• Analyse the significance of the title and the novella’s cyclical structure.

What’s Included

• A fully editable PowerPoint with clear modelling, visuals, and structured analysis tasks.
• A printable worksheet to support retrieval, deeper thinking, and written responses.
• µþ³Ü¾±±ô³Ù‑i²Ô peer‑talking opportunities to boost oracy and collaborative learning.
• A range of short tasks, paired activities, and guided analysis to support all learners.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Engaging and accessible — ideal for mixed‑ability groups.
• °ä³Ü°ù°ù¾±³¦³Ü±ô³Ü³¾â€‘a±ô¾±²µ²Ô±ð»å — builds essential thematic and structural knowledge early in the unit.
• High‑impact modelling — helps students understand complex ideas with clarity.
• Ready to teach — no planning required; simply download and deliver.

Perfect For

• Introducing themes and structure before reading
• KS3/KS4 English Literature lessons
• Cover lessons
• Homework or revision tasks
• Building analytical confidence early in the unit
• **Some visuals in this resource were made with AI to help bring ideas to life and support student understanding.