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The American Dream Is For Fools Analysis

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The American Dream is For Fools

“We know what we got, and we don't care whether you know it or not” (79). The novel Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, is about a group of men who are constantly aspiring for the American Dream. Since they are just ranchers, making hardly any money, it is obvious that this wish will never be able to come true for them. John Steinbeck uses the characters in Of Mice and Men to show that believing in the American Dream is only for fools.

George, one of the main characters of the novel, is way too optimistic on the idea of achieving the American Dream. “Someday, we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs” (15). What George does not realize after saying this line is that he will never be able to acquire the ideal American life with the lifestyle that he lives now. If he wants a fair chance at the American Dream, George needs to understand that success does not come easy. He is crazy for thinking that this dream is a possibility to be his future because he is just a rancher with a great lack of knowledge and skill. …show more content…

“How long’s it gonna be till we get the little place an’ live off the fatta the lan’ –an tend the rabbits?” (56). Through this question, Lennie is making it evident that although he does not understand everything clearly, this is the one idea that stands out in his head. It is wrong of George to promise this huge dream, that will never be accomplished, over someone who is mentally handicapped. Lennie also does not have the right conception of the American Dream - there is more to it than land and rabbits. There is no way he could achieve the dream for him and George because he has no clue where to even begin on the course for

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