To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Save to my list
Remove from my list
The timeless theme of hopes and dreams pervades John Steinbeck's classic novel, 'Of Mice and Men,' set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of the 1930s Great Depression in Salinas and Soledad, California. As the characters grapple with the pursuit of the elusive American Dream, symbolized by the dream of owning a farm, the narrative unfolds a poignant exploration of shattered aspirations and the resilience required to navigate a world where, as Robert Burns' poem aptly puts it, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."
The American Dream, encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence as the pursuit of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," becomes a beacon of hope for the characters in 'Of Mice and Men.' This dream is not merely an individual pursuit but a collective yearning shared by the dispossessed, such as George, Lennie, and Candy.
Their vision of owning a piece of land and living off it symbolizes the essence of the American Dream during this tumultuous era.
Verified writer
Proficient in: Dream
4.8 (309)
“ Writer-marian did a very good job with my paper, she got straight to the point, she made it clear and organized ”
However, the novel skillfully reveals how this dream transforms into an illusion, trapping the impoverished migrant workers in a cycle of unfulfilled aspirations.
George and Lennie's dream of a farm, where they can live "off the fatta the lan," mirrors the quintessential American Dream. Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of this utopia, describing its lavish plants and animals, suggesting a paradise that embodies the ideals of prosperity and happiness. However, the stark reality of the Great Depression shatters these dreams, highlighting the stark disparity between the promise of the Declaration of Independence and the harsh circumstances faced by the characters.
The central theme revolves around the characters' struggle to reconcile their dreams with the harsh realities of life.
George, burdened by the responsibility of caring for Lennie, yearns for a life unencumbered by constant vigilance. Lennie, on the other hand, harbors his private dream of living in a cave with rabbits. Even characters like Curley's wife, haunted by the dream of becoming a movie star, exemplify the pervasive nature of unattainable aspirations. The novel suggests that the economic desolation of the Great Depression forced individuals to confront the stark truth that dreams, no matter how fervently held, could be crushed by external forces beyond their control.
Each character's dreams go awry not due to a lack of determination but because external forces beyond their control dismantle each one. The economic despair of the Great Depression serves as a harsh reality check, forcing individuals to grapple with the inevitability of broken dreams. The American Dream, initially framed as an inalienable right, is exposed as an illusion for the poor migrant workers, encapsulated in Crooks' poignant observation, "Nobody ever gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land."
At the heart of 'Of Mice and Men' lies the enduring friendship between George and Lennie. Despite the inevitability of their dream remaining unfulfilled, the camaraderie they share becomes a source of solace and resilience. George's assertion that they are different from the lonely ranch workers reflects the transformative power of genuine friendship. The concept of a "future" takes on metaphorical significance, akin to a promised land where dreams could materialize. This friendship not only defies the prevailing loneliness but also serves as a testament to the human need for connection, even in a world where survival seems contingent on individual strength.
The term "future" holds a deeper meaning for George and Lennie, transcending mere temporal significance. It symbolizes a collective vision, a shared hope for a life that transcends the isolation and despair experienced by the other ranch workers. In a biblical resonance, their dream of living "off the fatta the lan" becomes a metaphorical promised land, a utopia where their aspirations can materialize. This dream becomes a lifeline for both characters, shielding them from the harsh realities that threaten to engulf them.
The narrative delves into the pervasive fear of weakness during the Great Depression, where survival hinges on strength and utility. Characters like Curley embody the aggressive pursuit of dominance, fearing vulnerability in a world where the weak are deemed expendable. The stark scene of Candy's dog being ruthlessly put down serves as a chilling metaphor for the brutal reality faced by those deemed useless or aged. The characters' constant assertion of strength becomes a coping mechanism, masking an underlying fear of being overpowered by others in the ruthless struggle for survival.
Within the hierarchical structure of the ranch, fear and competition reign supreme. The fear of the weak being overrun by the strong explains the aggressive nature of characters like Curley, who, despite his smaller stature, seeks dominance through physical confrontation. This dynamic extends to Crooks' warning to Lennie about George abandoning him and Curley's wife's threat to have Crooks lynched. The struggle for survival dictates a harsh code where strength is the ultimate currency, and the weak are deemed expendable.
'Of Mice and Men' presents a dual perspective on women — one through the lens of male characters and another through the novel's own portrayal. Male characters, influenced by societal norms, often view women with a mixture of fear and negativity, labeling them as dangerous temptresses. Curley's wife, a symbol of both temptation and victimhood, reflects the complex societal attitudes towards women during that era. The novel subtly critiques the objectification of women while also highlighting their vulnerability and loneliness in a male-dominated world.
The male characters' perception of women as threats is evident in their derogatory labeling of Curley's wife as a "tart" and "jail bait." This portrayal reflects the pervasive fear of female influence, painting women as dangerous distractions that could lead to downfall. However, Steinbeck also imbues Curley's wife with a sense of tragedy, revealing her desperate loneliness and yearning for connection. This duality in the portrayal of women adds layers of complexity to the novel, inviting readers to question societal norms and the consequences of objectifying individuals based on gender.
Throughout the novel, symbols are meticulously woven into the narrative, adding layers of meaning to the characters' experiences. George and Lennie's dream of a farm emerges as a symbol of the unattainable American Dream, while Lennie's affinity for soft creatures, including rabbits, becomes a tragic symbol of innocence in a harsh reality. The fate of Candy's dog foreshadows the inevitable tragedy awaiting Lennie, both embodying the vulnerability of the weak in the face of an unforgiving world.
Each symbol in 'Of Mice and Men' contributes to the overarching theme of shattered dreams. The farm symbolizes the illusion of prosperity, the rabbits embody innocence betrayed, Candy's dog represents the fate of the aged and weak, and Lennie's puppy becomes a poignant metaphor for dependency and the vulnerability of the powerless. Together, these symbols weave a tapestry of despair, highlighting the fragility of dreams in a world where external forces often dictate one's fate.
'Of Mice and Men' stands as a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of shattered dreams. The characters' pursuit of the American Dream mirrors the collective aspirations of a nation grappling with the Great Depression. Through the lens of friendship, strength, and the dichotomy in the portrayal of women, Steinbeck crafts a narrative that transcends its historical context, resonating with universal themes of hope, despair, and the indomitable human spirit.
Exploring Hopes and Dreams in 'Of Mice and Men'. (2016, Mar 31). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/of-mice-and-men-dreams-and-hope-essay
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
get help with your assignment
