How Does Steinbeck Create Hope In Of Mice And Men

When the goals people create for themselves become close to attaining or seem more reachable, the drive for those dreams take over the mind and influence the decisions of those people. Having goals creates a brighter future for the goal-setter and the people around them. Embracing a positive outlook on what’s to come demonstrates to the dreamer hope and possibility. In John Steinbeck’s novella, Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck explores the American Dream and how the drive to reach the dream impacts each character’s decisions.

Having a positive outlook on what’s to come creates hope and possibility. An important reflection of the theme is seen when Slim doubts Lennie and Geroge’s ability to reach the ranch. The American Dream is all about new beginnings

Slim remarks, “I hardly never seen two guys travel together. You know how the hands are, they just come in and get their bunk and work a month, and then they quit and go out alone. Never seem to give a damn about nobody. It jus’ seems kinda funny a cuckoo like him and a smart little guy like you travelin’ together.” (Steinbeck 39) After Slim questions whether their friendship is strong enough to withhold their huge plan, George immediately says, “He ain’t no cuckoo. He’s dumb as hell, but he aint crazy. An’ I aint so bright neither, or I wouldn't be buckin’ barley for my fifty and found. If I was bright, if I was even a little bit smart, Id have my own little place, an’ Id be bringin’ in my own crops, ‘stead of doin’ all the work and not getting what comes up outta the ground.” (Steinbeck 39) This doubt and reassurance of Lennie and George’s dream foreshadows Lennie’s death because Lennie doesn't actually make it to the ranch due to Geore shooting

Dreams are usually a goal or achievement someone has had planned for a long time, and when the wait is almost over, it usually overthrows that person’s emotions. We see a character’s emotions overthrown many times throughout the story. A good example of this occurring is towards the end of the story when Lennie gets really excited talking about his dream to Curley’s wife, but Curley’s wife was yelling about her hair. Lennie felt like he wasn't being understood or listened to, so he covered her mouth and she started screaming. Soon enough, Curley’s wife was suffocated quite literally to death. Steinbeck describes this moment by saying, “Lennie stroked the pup back and forth. ‘We gonna have a little place-an’ rabbits,’ he explained. She went on with her story quickly before she should be interrupted.”... “Take Curley. His hair is jus’ like wire. But mine is soft and fine. ‘Course I brush it a lot; that makes it fine. Here-feel right here.’ She took Lennie’s hand and put it on her head. Lennie’s big fingers fell to stroking her hair. ‘Don’t you muss it up,’ she said. Lennie said ‘Oh, that’s nice,’ and he stroked harder.” (Steinbeck 88-91) Because Lennie was so agitated with her not listening to the dream and he was picturing the rabbits on the ranch while petting her hair, he ended up letting the dream subconsciously take over him and suffocate Curley’s wife. This moment in the story also foreshadows Lennie