Intro Hopes and dreams are essential so you can have things to look forward to and keep you motivated during difficult times. The novel, Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck takes place during the Great Depression George and Lennie, two main characters, have a dream of owning a ranch. They, later on, involve Candy in the dream which motivates them to stay out of trouble and to work hard. John Steinback portrays hopes and dreams for people to survive by showing how the dream calms Lennie, keeps Candy distracted from his dogs and motivates George, Candy, and Lennie during a difficult time. To begin, Steinbeck shows readers how throughout the Great Depression working and earning money was difficult, but having hopes and dreams motivated …show more content…
All the other ranchers complained about Candy’s dog who he had for a long time, they said how old and smelly he was. Carlson offered to kill it since the dog was old and suffering. Candy agrees, and regrets it wishing he shot the dog himself. This quote shows how Candy’s dog was shot and how sad it made him, which shows how the dream could help him become more positive, “I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn’t of ought to let no stranger shoot my dog.” (Chapter 3, page 61). This proves how Candy was distraught about his dog, and hopes and dreams can help with …show more content…
George and Lennie move onto the ranch and George says he will let Lennie tend the rabbits if he stays out of trouble. This piece of evidence shows how the dream of the ranch helps Lennie stay out of trouble and ask for forgiveness if he does, "I can still tend the rabbits, George? I didn't mean no harm, George." (Page 72 chapter 3) Curley meets Lennie and always tries to fight him, but Lennie ignores him and reminds himself of the rabbits. Lennie accidentally kills Slim’s puppy and Curley’s wife was there when it happened, so he thought she was going to tell George. Curley’s wife then gets scared, so he kills her too trying to cover her