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

In John Steinbeck's Novella, “Of Mice and Men”, the author ties the American Dream into the text to show that many people had hope during the Great Depression.The story takes place in California, and is about two men named George and Lennie who are headed to their new jobs at a ranch. Once they are there, they meet many people and build relationships with them. While they are there, their version of, “The American Dream”, is always mentioned or thought about, that shows that they are hopeful for what they want, and it keeps them going in the story. Even though his life had been tough, Lennie was always staying positive and hopeful for the future. In the beginning of the story, Lennie gets upset, so he asks George to tell him about their dream
After Candy’s dog is shot, George and Lennie talk about their ranch plans, when suddenly Candy jumps in and says, “S’pose I went in with you guys. Tha’s three hundred and fifty bucks I’d put in. I ain’t much good, but I could cook and tend the chickens and hoe the garden some. How’d that be?”(59). When Candy says this, his aspiration for the future is huge and it shows the reader through the author's tone. Candy in the book also worries that if the boss cans him, he won’t find a place to live and he’ll be homeless on the street, but with the help of George and Lennie, he no longer had to worry about it. Overall, in the novella “Of Mice and Men”, Steinbeck shows us that during hard times, the American Dream can help you keep your chin up and give you hope. By tying the American Dream into the story, Steinbeck is trying to show the reader that all people have a dream, but some can be harder to get. Steinbeck also tells us that the littlest mistake can change someone's route to their dream in an instant, by having Lennie kill someone. Lennie, George, and Candy have great persistence throughout the novella and it helps them at all