18 November 2009

The trial of George

Culminating Writing Assignment- a Persuasive Paper Of Mice and Men

Now that you have completed the novella, you should have a clear understanding about the events leading up to the death of Lennie. If Lennie had gone to trial for what he did, perhaps he would have been found innocent, on the grounds of a lack of mental competence Do you believe that George made the right decision? Was this a mercy killing? Was George justified? Or is George a murderer?


In this writing assignment we are putting George on trial for murdering Lennie. You are to take the position of either the prosecuting attorney or the attorney for George´s defense. This writing assignment represents your “closing arguments” to the jury as this is the time when a lawyer gives a final summary of his case and has his best efforts at persuading the jury to his side. Watch this example of an attorney's closing arguments to give you some ideas of how to convince the jury that YOUR side represents the truth.....




Your first step is to decide what side you will represent. Next begin to construct your case based on the description of persuasive writing below.

Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts (as appropriate).
Note: Make sure that you cite all references, experts, or facts that you include.


Your essay should be between 750-1000 words.

Your introductory paragraph will present your side and your concluding paragraph will make one final statement that really solidifies your case. The body paragraph(s) will be where you present the persuasive arguments and evidence that support your stance.


Research Project- OMAM




Mercy Killing or Murder?

Chapter 5-6 Of Mice and Men

Was the death of Lennie a mercy killing or cold-blooded murder? Why?
What kind of man is George? Did your opinion of him change when you read Chapter 6?

Think about what you learned about the TRAGIC HERO-
A tragic hero is the main character in a tragedy. The modern use of the term usually involves the notion that such a hero make an error in his actions that leads to his downfall.

Some common traits which are characteristic of a tragic protagonist:
  • The flaw is most frequently Hubris.
  • The hero discovers that he is a result of his own actions, not by things happening to him.
  • The hero sees and understands his doom, and that his fate was revealed by his own actions.
  • The hero learns something from his/her mistake.
  • The hero is faced with a serious decision.
  • The suffering of the hero is meaningful because although the suffering is a result of the hero's own volition, it is not wholly deserved and may be cruelly disproportionate.

    Is George an example of THE TRAGIC HERO? If so, what is his TRAGIC FLAW?