Analyzing George Milton

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is the second in a five-lesson unit exploring characters in literature, focusing on the protagonist George Milton from Of Mice and Men. The lesson aims to deepen students’ understanding of George's character through analysis of his background, relationships, and motivations. This will help develop students’ analytical skills, critical thinking, and appreciation of character complexity in literary texts, in alignment with the National Curriculum for England (Key Stage 4).

National Curriculum Links

• English Programme of Study: Key Stage 4
• Read and understand texts critically, analysing how language, form, and structure contribute to meaning.
• Explore characters, themes, and contexts in texts with increasing independence.
• Draw inferences and justify them with evidence.
• Develop precise and effective written communication.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Analyse George Milton’s character, focusing on his background, relationships, and motivations.
2. Use textual evidence effectively to support interpretations of George’s behaviour and decisions.
3. Create a detailed character profile that synthesises understanding of George’s complexities.
4. Reflect on how character analysis contributes to overall comprehension of the text and its themes.

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Success Criteria

• Accurately describe key aspects of George’s character with supporting quotations.
• Explain how George’s background and relationships influence his actions.
• Produce a comprehensive character profile demonstrating depth of analysis.
• Communicate ideas clearly and logically, using literary terminology.

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Resources

• Copies of selected extracts from Of Mice and Men focusing on George Milton.
• Character profile worksheet template.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Notebook or digital device for note-taking and profile creation.

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and set a reflective tone.

• Begin with a brief informal discussion to recall who George Milton is and what the student remembers from the previous lesson.
• Ask the student to articulate what they think motivates George and what kind of person he seems to be.
• Write key words from their responses on the board to visually capture initial thoughts (e.g., protective, responsible).

Teacher's tip: Tailor questions to pique curiosity, such as “Why do you think George stays with Lennie despite challenges?”

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2. Guided Reading and Textual Analysis (20 minutes)

Objective: Develop critical understanding using textual evidence.

• Provide carefully selected extracts that reveal different facets of George’s character (e.g., dialogues between George and Lennie, George's reflections alone).
• Read the extracts together, discussing language, tone, and implications.
• Pose targeted questions:
• What do George’s words and actions reveal about his background?
• How does George’s relationship with Lennie influence his behaviour?
• What motivates George to keep pursuing his dreams despite setbacks?
• Encourage the student to highlight key phrases and annotate the text with interpretive notes.

Teacher's tip: Use probing questions that invite the student to consider subtext or contradictions within the character, e.g., “How does George balance frustration and affection towards Lennie?”

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3. Character Profile Construction (20 minutes)

Objective: Synthesis of understanding and explicit articulation of character analysis.

• Introduce the character profile worksheet structured into four sections:

1. Background and Personal History
2. Relationships (focus on Lennie and other characters)
3. Motivations and Goals
4. Personality Traits and Conflicts

• Guide the student to fill in each section with evidence from the text, ensuring they reference quotations and explain interpretations.
• Encourage use of literary terminology (e.g., characterization, empathy, foreshadowing).
• Discuss with the student how aspects of George’s character contribute to themes such as friendship, responsibility, and the American Dream.

Teacher's tip: Challenge the student to include analysis of how Steinbeck’s portrayal of George advances plot and theme.

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4. Plenary and Reflection (10 minutes)

Objective: Consolidate learning and self-assess progress.

• Ask the student to summarise their understanding of George Milton in three key points.
• Invite them to reflect on how this character exploration has changed or deepened their view of the novel.
• Discuss how analysing a character closely can enable readers to engage more meaningfully with a text.
• Set a mini homework task: to observe how George’s character develops in the next chapters, noting any changes or consistencies.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Review the completed character profile for evidence of critical engagement, use of textual references, and coherence of ideas.
• Provide constructive feedback highlighting strengths and areas for deeper analysis.
• Use questioning throughout the lesson to assess understanding and promote independent thought.

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Differentiation and Personalisation

• For support: Provide sentence starters and vocabulary banks for the character profile.
• For extension: Ask the student to compare George’s character with another protagonist from a different literary text studied in Year 10.
• Facilitate the lesson in a one-to-one setting, enabling tailored questioning and pacing.

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Cross-curricular Links

• PSHE: Discussion on friendship, loyalty, and responsibility as demonstrated by George.
• History: Context of the Great Depression reflected in George’s motivations.

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This lesson is designed to foster a thorough, mature understanding of character through a structured, immersive approach aligned with the National Curriculum’s emphasis on critical reading, textual analysis, and clear written expression.