Optimism In Of Mice And Men

In 1937 the United States was in what was known as the Great Depression. The Great Depression was caused by a series of bank failures, money supply issues, and the stock market crash of 1929. Many people's hopes and dreams were lost due to the Great Depression, leaving many people feeling hopeless. In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, he explores the idea of being optimistic and hopeful during difficult situations through characters who have dreams and want to strive in this time. One lesson John Steinbeck teaches is to have big dreams and determination in rough times because having those can make someone more optimistic and help individuals get through the troubling situation, but can also ruin one's mood if those dreams don’t come true, as

George talks to Lennie about his Dream, which is a place that they can call their own and they can work by their choice, and not have to worry about a boss being on their backs. George says, “We'll have a big vegetable patch and a rabbit hutch and chickens. And when it rains in the winter, we'll just say the hell with goin' to work, and we'll build up a fire in the stove and set around it an' listen to the rain comin' down on the roof" (Steinbeck 16). This dream serves as a guide for George, as he continues to work hard to achieve it throughout the novel. George's dream is for him and Lennie to be self-sufficient and not have to rely on anyone. He wants to work hard and build a life for himself and his friend, free from a life of poverty and the unpredictable life of migrant work. His ambition and determination to achieve this dream demonstrates the American Dream of working hard to create a better life. When he and Lennie first arrive at the ranch, he refuses to spend their money on things offered there, saying, "I ain't got no people. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches

George's dedication to his dream represents the perseverance and determination that are essential to making his American Dream come to fruition. George and Candy are similar in the way that they both have dreams they desire. Candy’s desire for a better life represents the hope and aspirations that many Americans had during the Great Depression. When George and Lennie first arrive at the ranch, Candy overhears their conversation about their plans to own their own farm one day. He immediately becomes interested in their idea and offers to contribute his life savings towards it, saying "I'd make a will an' leave my share to you guys in case I kick off" (Steinbeck 59). Candy's contribution to the dream represents the idea that the American Dream was often a group effort. Many people during the Great Depression were forced to work together in order to achieve their goals and dreams. Candy's willingness to put his trust in George and Lennie also highlights the sense of trust and bondage that was necessary to survive during this