ESSAY PLANNING TEMPLATE

Essay question: In what ways are relationships important in Of Mice and Men?

Brainstorm
How is the characters attached? Comparing to their surroundings
- Emotionally or symbiotic
George's mindfulness and care towards Lennie
Lennie's perspective about his care

Thesis statement In the novella 'Of Mice and Men', John Steinback masterfully

explores the relationship between George and Lennie.

Introduction 1st main idea Attachment

2nd main idea George's opinion about Lennie

3rd main idea Lennie's feeling about George's care

Outline

Topic sentence Firstly, the duo seems to have a symbiotic friendship rather than an

Paragraph 1 emotional attachment.

Explanation - How is this relationship formed? Can this be seen from the text?

- How can the relationship benefit them? (relate back to that time)

Examples

Topic sentence Secondly, George tend to help out Lennie in all situations, with

Paragraph 2 health, safety and mental stability.

Explanation - Quotes from the text

- Why would George help Lennie that much? (his thought)

Examples Drinking dirty water, teaching him how to behave

Topic sentence In exchange, Lennie gives absolute loyalty and probably the closest

Paragraph 3 thing to unconditional love that is possible.

Explanation - Can he notice that he is actually supporting George?

- In what ways?

Examples
 Topic sentence

Paragraph 4 Explanation

Examples

Thesis statement In summary, I believe companionship is a vital idea in Of Mice and

Conclusion Men.

Summary - Can the duo survive without each other?

Closing statement