The idealism of the American Dream is very important, especially how it was used in the book Of Mice and Men. The American Dream is the national ethos of the
United States. It is the set of ideals, such as democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity and equality. In the concept of the American Dream, the opportunity for success and prosperity is included with freedom. The definition of the American Dream by James
Truslow Adams in 1931, is “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement”. The Declaration of
Independence is the basis for the American Dream, because it states “all men are created equal” and they all have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
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The workers during the Great
Depression, which is the setting of the book, thought the American Dream belief was an illusion. All of the ranch hands dream of happiness, but none of them get it. Just because their dreams don’t come about the farm, it still plays an important role in the novel. The dream George and Lennie have, holds their friendship together. The dream gives them life, even though they don’t achieve it.
Another aspect of the American Dream demonstrated in the book, is about
Curley’s wife and her dream. In the book, she confesses her want to be a movie star.
She acts like one at the farm, by dressing up nicely and wearing lots of makeup. She explains the reason she can’t fulfill her dream, is because she is married to Curley and he won’t leave the farm. The only way she can be a movie star and have many friends is to get freedom from Curley, since he is really controlling. She fears her husband deeply and eventually gives up hope on her dream. Later, her death symbolizes how her dream came to an end and didn’t get to accomplish her goals.
Curley was the antagonist in this book. He was one the one that made