the american dream
Every person in American has their own version of The American Dream, which is one of the themes Steinbeck used in the process of writing this book.
The American Dream is defined in many ways. Based on some research and this story, the definition that most relates to Of Mice and Men's American Dream is being able to have and create the ideal life with nothing or little to start with. John Steinbeck, the author of Of Mice And Men, does not believe that the American Dream is attainable.
As George and Lennie are on their way to get their new jobs, it begins to get dark so they stop and rest for the night. As the night progresses, Lennie asked George if he would tell him their dream again because Lennie likes the thought that George is going to let him tend the rabbits. To make Lennie happy, he begins. “O.K. Someday- we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs...” (Steinbeck 14).
Based on what George tells Lennie, they must having been planning for a while and know what they want. They want a place where they can live and belong, without having to run anywhere or get into any trouble. But, like all great rewards, there were some challenges that came first.
Peter Lisca had he’s own thoughts on the book. He states that George never speaks of their dream unless Lennie’s requested to hear it. “…George never mentions the dream except for Lennie’s benefit. That his own “dream” is quite different from Lennie’s is established early in the novel…” (Lisca 345). I agree with Lisca. Throughout the story George never really talk about it unless Lennie asked to hear about tending the rabbits. I think George probably know that will be a long shot for them knowing that is hard to keep a job as long as Lennie is around.
This is a novel of defeated hope and the harsh reality of the American Dream. George and Lennie are poor homeless migrant workers, doomed to a life of wandering and toil in which they are never able to reap the fruits of their labor. Their desires may not seem so unfamiliar to any other American: a place of their own, the opportunity to work for themselves and harvest what they sew with no one to take anything from them or give them orders.
The American Dream is defined in many ways. Based on some research and this story, the definition that most relates to Of Mice and Men's American Dream is being able to have and create the ideal life with nothing or little to start with. John Steinbeck, the author of Of Mice And Men, does not believe that the American Dream is attainable.
As George and Lennie are on their way to get their new jobs, it begins to get dark so they stop and rest for the night. As the night progresses, Lennie asked George if he would tell him their dream again because Lennie likes the thought that George is going to let him tend the rabbits. To make Lennie happy, he begins. “O.K. Someday- we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs...” (Steinbeck 14).
Based on what George tells Lennie, they must having been planning for a while and know what they want. They want a place where they can live and belong, without having to run anywhere or get into any trouble. But, like all great rewards, there were some challenges that came first.
Peter Lisca had he’s own thoughts on the book. He states that George never speaks of their dream unless Lennie’s requested to hear it. “…George never mentions the dream except for Lennie’s benefit. That his own “dream” is quite different from Lennie’s is established early in the novel…” (Lisca 345). I agree with Lisca. Throughout the story George never really talk about it unless Lennie asked to hear about tending the rabbits. I think George probably know that will be a long shot for them knowing that is hard to keep a job as long as Lennie is around.
This is a novel of defeated hope and the harsh reality of the American Dream. George and Lennie are poor homeless migrant workers, doomed to a life of wandering and toil in which they are never able to reap the fruits of their labor. Their desires may not seem so unfamiliar to any other American: a place of their own, the opportunity to work for themselves and harvest what they sew with no one to take anything from them or give them orders.