Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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The American Dream knows no limits, nor can it be confined to one simple definition. It is clear that the author, John Steinbeck, wants to emphasize to his audience the various desires of Americans and the relationship between his characters and their version of the American Dream. Of Mice and Men is a novella that depicts the tale of two farm hands working through the adversities of the Great Depression, an economic crisis impacting every American from 1929 to 1939. This economic depression made it nearly impossible for any American to achieve financial security, or their dream. George and Lennie, the main protagonists, encounter a man named Crooks, a lonely stable worker. John Steinbeck explores the theme of yearning for the American Dream …show more content…

“We'd just live there. We'd be there for you. There wouldn't be no more runnin' round the country and gettin' fed by a Jap cook. No, sir, we'd have our own place where we belonged and not sleep in no bunt house.” (Steinbeck, 58) George explains his vision of his desired life to one of his fellow farmhands, Candy. George’s American dream is to finally have a place where he belongs after living a lonely nomadic lifestyle for such a long while. This theme and reasoning is also explored in another quote, "I got you! You can’t keep a job and you lose me every’ job I get. Jus’ keep me shovin’ all over the country all the time. An’ that ain’t the worst.” (Steinbeck, 11) George is clearly bothered by having to worry about Lennie getting in trouble and having to constantly run away from conflict. It becomes evident to the reader that all George wants to do is live a stable life and be free from having to work for others. Although not impossible, it will take hard work from George to be able to afford his American …show more content…

“'Cause I'm black. They play cards there, but I can't play because I'm black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all of you stink to me.” (Steinbeck, 68) Crooks is a solitary stable worker on the farm who comes off as rude to Lennie upon first meeting him due to his experiences with racism and segregation on the farm. He opens up to Lennie and tells him that the only reason why he isn’t with the other men is because of his skin colour. He is out of control in his situation, and never once alludes to choosing not to have friends; he simply cannot have them due to him being considered an

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