The Dream of Dreamers (of Mice and Men) Essay - 882 Words

The Dream of Dreamers Steinbeck incorporates the theme of the American Dream, an expression used to represent wanted success, throughout his story Of Mice and Men as he provides glimpses of the dreams of many characters. Towards the end of the novel, the fact is that each of the characters â€Å"American Dream† is just that, a dream, which is unattainable. In short, Steinbeck portrays his position of the unrealistic desires for untarnished happiness through the dreams of Candy, Curley’s Wife, and Crooks in Of Mice and Men. First, Candy has the dream of getting him a piece of George and Lennie’s land on their farm. This small piece of land means much to Candy, as shown in chapter 3, Candy is talking to George and says, â€Å"†¦you’ll let me hoe†¦show more content†¦88). Curley’s wife’s dream is unfeasible, although she holds onto the dream of being a star and receiving the attention she wants, so dearly. Yet, Steinbeck shows that even this dream too is foolish when Curley’s wife says, â€Å"I never got that letter. I always thought my ol’lady stole it. Well, I wasn’t gonna stay no place where I couldn’t get nowhere or make something of myself, an’ where they stole your letters. I ast he if she stole it, too, an’ she says no. So I married Curley† (pg. 88). There could have been a possibility that the man from Hollywood did in fact send the letter and Curley’s wife’s mom did in fact hide the letters, but it is more plausible that the man was a charlatan trying to hustle Curley’s wife. In addition, Curley’s wife married Curley in order to get away from her mother, thus ruining any chance of her going to Hollywood. In short, Steinbeck supports the idea of the American Dream being elusive through Curley’s wife, whose actions of settling for an unfulfilling marriage demolished her chance at immaculate happiness. In addition to Candy’s and Curley’s wife’s dreams, Crooks also revealed his dream in chapter 4. As Crooks was talking to Candy and Lennie, he said, â€Å"†¦If you†¦guys would want a hand to work for nothing—just his keep, why I’d come an’ lend a hand. I ain’t so crippled I can’t work like a son-of-a-bitch if I want to† (p. 76). By saying this, Crooks shows that he too would like a piece of land because â€Å"everybodyShow MoreRelatedImportance of Hopes and Dreams1404 Words   |  6 PagesThe Importance of Hopes and Dreams in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a touching story of an unusual friendship between two men, George and Lennie. George is a responsible man and has travelled with Lennie for many years, despite the troubles that Lennie gets them both in. George and Lennie’s dream is to be the owners of a little farm. This is the their goal and this is in my opinion, the whole meaning of the story. 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ForRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath And Of Mice And Men1644 Words   |  7 PagesSteinbeck is an American author of 27 books, widely known for award winning novels, The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men; Steinbeck is also a Nobel Prize winning of Literature. Steinbeck’s writing expresses realistic and creative thoughts, combining as they do compassionate comedy (through Lennie) and intense social perception with their surrounding national culture. John Steinbeck, â€Å"Of mice and Men†, Printed in 1937, articulating a tale of characters, George Milton and Lennie Small, two exiled migrantRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of John Steinbeck s Of Mice And Men 1406 Words   |  6 PagesRhetorical Analysis Essay John Steinbeck, writer of the novel, Of Mice and Men, uses many different rhetorical devices and appeals to unravel the essence and truth of the American Dream, while revolving around the world of these characters, George and Lennie. 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Each desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger.Read MoreEssay about Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson544 Words   |  3 PagesWinesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson George Williards decision to depart Winesburg in Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson is comparable to George Miltons decision to leave the ranch in Of Mice of Men by John Steinbeck. Several factors activate Williard and Milton to depart, and one reason is they both long for a more fulfilling life. Also the voiceless people around Williard and the vulgar people around Milton drives them away. Finally the death of Elizabeth Williard pushes George Williard