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John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men unfolds against the harsh backdrop of Salinas, California, during the tumultuous 1930s Great Depression. A time when life was unforgiving and men often displayed cruelty towards one another. In such dire circumstances, hope emerges as a vital refuge from the harsh realities of existence. This thematic undercurrent aligns with the American Dream, exemplified by George and Lennie's aspiration for autonomy through hard work, land ownership, and the pursuit of a better life. However, the dream's elusiveness is accentuated by the economic hardships of the Depression.
While Lennie's demise offers George a chance to realize their dream, the novel's conclusion underscores that material success is hollow without companionship. Thus, the dream transcends mere possession; it becomes a shared experience, emphasizing Steinbeck's belief in the paramount importance of 'compassion and love,' as articulated in his Nobel Prize speech.
Lennie and George harbor a modest yet profound dream – to own a small farm and be masters of their own destiny.
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“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”
This stands in stark contrast to the dehumanizing environment of the large, factory-like farm they currently inhabit, where men are treated as expendable machinery. The repetitious nature of George's mantra, "we got a future," suggests their divergence from the norm, positioning them as individuals with aspirations beyond the immediate struggles of their contemporaries. The term 'future' serves as a metaphor, signifying a brighter and more prosperous existence akin to the idyllic American Dream of living 'off the fatta the land.'
The dream, therefore, functions as a psychological shield, enabling George and Lennie to endure hardship without succumbing to despair.
Their desire for autonomy is encapsulated in George's declaration that they could simply reject the drudgery of conventional work. Yet, this optimism may border on naivety, considering the practicalities of farming, especially for smallholders. Despite these challenges, the dream sets them apart from their peers, creating an 'us versus them' dynamic. The use of the third person to describe other farmhands reinforces the protagonists' sense of unity and distinction, emphasizing their shared plight in the harsh world of the Depression.
Their dream resonates with a broader desire for independence, echoing the sentiments of individuals during the Great Depression who sought solace in the promise of a better future. The economic turmoil of the era served as a formidable barrier, but the dream, as a driving force, provided a necessary escape from the relentless struggles of the times. George and Lennie's pursuit of autonomy serves as a symbolic representation of the collective yearning for a life beyond the confines of economic hardship.
Moreover, George's role as the dream's primary narrator takes on a nuanced significance. He assumes the responsibility of not just articulating the dream but also nurturing it like a fragile seed. The repetitive, mantra-like structure of his storytelling, reminiscent of a protective spell, adds layers to the narrative. The dream becomes a ritual, a shared prayer between the two friends, reinforcing their bond amid the harsh realities that threaten to erode their optimism.
At times, it appears that George assumes ownership of the dream, narrating it to Lennie in a manner reminiscent of a bedtime story or mantra – a role congruent with his position as Lennie's caretaker. The repetitive structure, where Lennie fills in the gaps and echoes phrases, adds to the ritualistic quality, suggesting a protective function. However, George's occasional skepticism raises questions about the dream's feasibility. Instances where George patronizes Lennie, promising 'every color rabbits' including 'red and blue,' convey an air of condescension. The dream, in these moments, seems more like a protective spell than a genuine possibility, shielding the protagonists from the harshness of reality. Other characters, notably Crooks, express cynicism toward the dream, asserting that everyone harbors a similar dream of land but none ever attain it.
Crooks, an extreme character defined by hyperbolic language, employs phrases like 'God damn,' implying a sense of abandonment by a higher power, contrasting sharply with the hopeful biblical imagery in George and Lennie's dream. His comparison of the dream to 'Heaven' underscores its unattainable nature. Despite George's initial skepticism, the dream gains traction when shared with others. Even the pessimistic Crooks starts to believe, showcasing the transformative power of shared aspirations.
The skepticism surrounding the dream introduces a layer of complexity, urging readers to question the feasibility of such aspirations in a world that seemingly rejects the fulfillment of individual dreams. George, as the guardian of the dream, must navigate the fine line between fostering optimism and confronting the harsh realities that threaten to shatter their aspirations. The dream, despite its protective qualities, becomes a source of tension, as the characters grapple with the stark contrast between their desires and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stand in their way.
Steinbeck masterfully weaves a foreboding atmosphere throughout the narrative, suggesting that the world portrayed is unrelenting and inhospitable to anything good. The tender friendship between Lennie and George, coupled with their shared dream, appears destined to crumble under the weight of the cruel external forces. Lennie's affinity for soft things and his unwavering commitment to the dream, even at the cost of accidental violence, heighten the poignant irony surrounding their aspirations.
Curley's wife, longing for connection, confides in Lennie about her shattered dreams of fame. However, the hollowness of her aspirations becomes evident. The tragic climax unfolds as Lennie, driven by an intense desire to protect the dream, inadvertently extinguishes it by silencing Curley's wife. The irony lies in the dream's destruction being fueled by Lennie's desperate attempt to preserve it.
As the repercussions of Lennie's actions unfold, Candy's primary concern is the fate of the dream. This singular focus on financial prosperity raises ethical questions about prioritizing dreams over human life. George's decision to recount the dream to Lennie once more, moments before ending his life, adds a layer of heartbreaking poignancy. The realization that the dream loses its value without the companionship of his old friend underscores the central theme that financial success, devoid of human connection, is a hollow victory.
Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men serves as a poignant exploration of dreams during the Great Depression, emphasizing the interplay between aspirations, companionship, and the harsh realities of the era. Through George and Lennie's journey, Steinbeck prompts reflection on the true nature of the American Dream and the sacrifices made in its pursuit. The dream, while offering a glimmer of hope, proves fragile in the face of an unforgiving world, raising profound questions about the cost of prioritizing material success over human connection. In the end, the novel leaves an indelible impression, challenging readers to consider the weight of unfulfilled dreams on the human spirit.
Of Mice and Men: The Dreams Amid Desolation. (2018, Sep 21). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/what-do-you-know-about-mice-and-men-dreams-essay
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