The Impact Of The American Dream In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The American Dream, the ever evolving figment in minds that created the possibilities of freedom, prosperity, and desirement of any American who is brave. This involved lives of suffering immigrants, whom in the 19th century arrived in the United States from their home countries in hope of a better life. At first, the immigrants believed that these factors would help their dreams come true. They failed though due to the lack of qualities needed. “In other respects, it caused many working class people who did not reap the benefits of industrialization to become disillusioned with the American Dream” (Olson). Some had the dream of owning land to live on their own and have freedom, not having someone dictate their lives. Others, it was having a chance in starring in Hollywood movies, and later having it ruined it for them. Lastly, some dreamed of equality based on race, to diminish discrimination. In Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men, unsuccessful dreams were just hopes in every character’s life.

Dreams, they never

Discrimination killed his insides. He wanted to live George and Lennie’s childhood and to be treated equally. Instead of feeling equal, he appeared differently in others eyes because of his race and color. “He kept his distance and demanded that other people keep theirs” (Steinbeck 67). Space was the best solution to create no conflicts, but it was not the best solution towards his feelings. Even though he wanted to be like everyone, Crooks knew it was impossible. Lennie was the only one that respected Crooks and offered him some company, but Crooks denied it. “Yall ever come into a colored mens room” (Steinbeck 75). Crooks never experienced being favored by the rest of the men, or being white. He was not aware that there was at least one person different from the rest and willing to offer some of their time to him, like Lennie did. To conclude, the dream he wanted badly was failure because he was