How Does Steinbeck Create Identity In Of Mice And Men

John Steinbeck's ‘Of Mice and Men’ is a novella that discovers the ideas of what makes us human and the desire all have for dignity. It also discusses chasing the impossible dream and the consequences of doing so. These characters are timeless with each having a unique identity. This text was set during the Great Depression and discusses the economic/employment crisis as well as the casual racism of this period. This dehumanises the quality of life of those who don’t fit the status quo of wealth or land. The essence ‘Of mice and men’ is dreaming, in the case of this novella it is a small farm. It is such a central ideal for this piece it is mentioned in five out of the six chapters. For George this dream is independence and being ‘somebody’. For

All the ranch hands in ‘Of Mice and Men’ dream of life and happiness, but none ever gets it. Crooks response to Lennie’s dream farm “...Just like heaven. Ever'body wants a little piece of lan'. I read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land.” Chapter four creates a sense of comradery between three of the men, all outcasts in their own way. When Lennie forgets this farm is a secret and tells Crooks, he laughs it off as crazy, due to his life of systematic oppression causing him not to believe in dreams. Crook is desperately alone and takes about his life in california and how his skin colour makes him even lonelier. Like a mirage, the farm leads George, Lennie, and other ranchers like Candy and Crooks, to survive off this idea, of living "off the fatta the lan.” George's elaborate description of the farm's abundant plants and animals also makes it seem like a symbol of paradise. The consequences of chasing or even believing in this dream, is death. Lennie who wanted to be trusted with the bunnies, kills Curley’s wife for accidently getting in the way of his childish, futile