Of Mice And Men Analysis

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck has many important themes such as certain aspects of human life that people are generally too afraid to admit to. It brings to light the impossibility of the American dream, the lonely nature of human existence, and the need for friendship. Despite the characters original hope for the future, none of their lives turned out how they wished.
Almost all of the characters in the novel admit to wanting a different life than what they already have. None of them were happy with the life they had and dreamed of something better. Despite their motivation and hope, none of them had the chance to achieve their goals. Before her death, Curley’s wife confesses to her dream of being a movie star. Crooks allowed himself the pleasant fantasy of hoeing a patch of garden on Lennie’s farm one day, and Candy desperately latched on to George’s plan to own a couple of acres. What makes all of these dreams typically American is the wish for unconditional happiness and freedom. George and Lennie’s dream of owning a farm represents a prototypically American ideal. Their journey sadly proves that the bitter Crooks is right; a desire and need for freedom and safety is not reachable for the average American.
Of Mice and Men teaches a lesson about the nature of human existence. Nearly all of the characters admit, at one time or another, to having a profound sense of loneliness and seclusion. They all desire a friend to confide in, but settle for a stranger with similar needs. Curley’s wife admits to Candy, Crooks, and Lennie that she is unhappily married. Crooks tells Lennie that life is no good without a companion to turn to in times of need and doubt. The characters are rendered helpless by their isolation, and yet they seek to destroy those who are even weaker than themselves. Perhaps the most powerful example of this cruel tendency is when Crooks criticizes Lennie’s dream of the farm and his dependence on George. Having just admitted his own