Contrasts in Context: Exploring Of Mice and Men Through Historical Documents

Enhance your students’ understanding of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men with this 2-3 hour mini-unit focusing on historical context and contrasts. Perfect for GCSE and iGCSE students, this resource explores the diverse experiences of different groups and places in 1930s America, providing a rich, interdisciplinary approach that supports both literature and history studies.

This short scheme of work draws on authentic historical documents, including:

• A 1930 New Yorker magazine
• Two news stories related to race in California
• Two sociological studies from the 1930s

Students will explore how context around women, itinerant workers, and Jim Crow laws shaped Steinbeck’s narrative, culminating in a collaborative presentation task.

**Key Features:

1. Historical Context Through Primary Sources**
   Students will examine real documents from the 1930s, gaining insights into the social, racial, and economic contrasts of the era. This hands-on exploration builds critical thinking and contextual understanding, helping students to connect Steinbeck’s characters and themes to their historical backdrop.

2. Focus on Contrasts
The resource emphasises the varied experiences of different groups. This structured exploration helps students understand the nuanced dynamics at play in Of Mice and Men.

3. Collaborative and Independent Tasks
Group Work: Students work in small groups to analyse specific documents, linking them to characters and themes in the novella.
Presentation Task: Pairs synthesise their findings into a short presentation, promoting speaking and listening skills while deepening understanding.

4. Cross-Curricular Application
While designed for GCSE English Literature, this resource is equally relevant for history classes exploring 1930s America. The interdisciplinary focus makes it an engaging addition to either subject area.

Why Use This Resource?
This short scheme of work is a thought-provoking way to enrich students’ understanding of Of Mice and Men by contextualizing the novella within its historical framework. Whether used as a stand-alone mini-unit or integrated into a larger scheme of work, it will build confidence in critical analysis, develop contextual awareness, and inspire meaningful connections between literature and history.

Ideal for classroom teaching, revision sessions, or cross-curricular projects. Suitable for all major exam boards.