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

"The road to success is not easy to navigate, but with hard work, drive and passion, it’s possible to achieve the American Dream." (Tommy Hilfiger). During the Great Depression in California, the majority of people were poor and had very few opportunities to succeed. In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, many of the characters dream of greater lives than they currently have, but each of their mistakes cost them, supporting the theme of the impossibility of the American Dream. George and Lennie each have their own dreams but plan to spend it together, but Lennie's physical strength keeps them from succeeding. George has a dream of having his own land, where he doesn't have to work for someone else and where he would not have to worry about Lennie. The main character, Lennie, dreams of tending rabbits and having what he loves. "An' live off the fatta

Candy's dog's death due to his age had a major affect on him. "You seen what they done to my dog tonight? They says he wasn't no good to himself nor nobody else. When they can me here I wisht somebody'd shoot me.." (56) From the start, it is unrealistic for Candy to think that what happened to his dog and his condition won't happen to him, when he become useless his life will not be worth as much. Candy's main reason for wanting to sharing the dream with both George and Lennie is to escape solitude, a major problem during the Great Depression. "A guy on a ranch don't never listen nor he don't ast no questions." (67) The quote explains his loneliness and his vision of an isolated person is represented. The killing of Lennie is also the death of his dream of escaping his fear. "'Then it's all of?' Candy asked sulkily" (105). Candy's vision of a better life is vanished , as his dream and his friend are both killed. His dream is now unrealistic with Lennie, who had given him permission to join the dream ,