Light and Darkness in Of Mice and Men (short unit)

Develop your students’ understanding of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men with this focused 2–3 hour unit exploring the symbolic use of light and darkness in the novella. Perfect for GCSE and iGCSE students, this resource analyses key extracts from Chapter 3, while also analysing light as a symbol and motif throughout the text. Originally designed as a revision tool to extend knowledge for Edexcel iGCSE English Literature, this resource is equally suitable for all specifications and can be used for core teaching or revision sessions.

Key Features:

• Close Analysis of Key Extracts – Students will explore Steinbeck’s use of light and darkness as contrasting symbols, particularly in scenes involving George and Slim, and Lennie and Curley. These moments are scaffolded to help students to unpack them in detail to deepen literary understanding and support high-quality responses.

***Focus on Symbolism and Motif **– The resource emphasises the nuanced use of light and darkness throughout the novella, helping students trace its recurring significance as a motif and link it to character relationships, themes, and the mood of the narrative.

• Scaffolded Writing Task – A pair activity guides students in constructing an analytical paragraph with clear sentence starters and prompts, making it accessible for all abilities while developing essential exam skills.

• Independent Writing Task – A more open-ended individual task challenges students to apply their learning independently, consolidating their ability to write sustained and insightful analysis.

• Flexible Application – Designed with Edexcel iGCSE in mind, this resource works across all exam boards, making it an adaptable addition to any scheme of work. It has been successfully used with GCSE groups as both a revision tool and a stand-alone lesson sequence.

This unit is an engaging way to develop students’ confidence in literary analysis while fostering a deeper appreciation of Steinbeck’s style. Whether for revision or core teaching, it offers a structured yet flexible approach to understanding Of Mice and Men.