Reference Hunt

Worksheet Description

This worksheet examines allusions in Of Mice and Men. It begins by explaining what an allusion is and then asks students to interpret specific references, including the novel’s title, Murray and Ready’s employment agency, and Curley’s boxing background. Students must explain how each allusion contributes to meaning in the text. This encourages them to look deeper at Steinbeck’s use of cultural and historical references.

Students strengthen their ability to recognize and analyze literary devices. They learn to connect references in the novel to broader cultural and historical contexts. This sharpens interpretive skills and deepens comprehension of layered meaning. It also builds critical thinking by pushing them to explain why an author makes such choices.