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

The American Dream is different for everyone. For some people it may just be financial stability. In the event of failing to achieve a sought after American Dream people become desperate to succeed. In the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck it is based on the time period surrounding The Great Depression when it was much harder for people to achieve the American Dream. The american Dream acts as a temptress toward each character. The characters are either still trying to succeed or have given up causing desperation. The book shows the character's anguish and fear of not achieving their dream. Lennie fear of not being able to achieve his dream of tending the rabbits causes him to accidentally kill Curley’s wife. Temptations can lead to despair and desperate acts to achieve what could be lost.

Curley’s wife gave up on her American Dream because she was scared if she waited too long she wouldn’t get anywhere. “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 her if she stole it, too, an’ she says no. So I married Curley,” (88). In order for her to find happiness, she tempts other men because she is lonely and unhappy with the life she has. “‘I get lonely,’ she said. ‘You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad’” (87). Curley’s wife dreamed of being an actor, but instead settled for less when she married Curley out of fear of getting nowhere. She acts out because she wishes she would’ve followed her dreams to be a successful actress and be happy. When she flirts with other men she doesn’t actually mean it, but she is just trying to find the happiness she gave up. It’s better to take one’s time to get what is desired then to settle for less and be