Dreams in Of Mice and Men Essay with Quotes - John Steinbeck
Who is John Steinbeck?
John Steinbeck was an American author and Nobel Prize laureate in literature. He was born in Salinas, California in 1902 and is best known for his novels set in the Salinas Valley and the fictional town of Cannery Row. Steinbeck's most famous novels include "The Grapes of Wrath", "Of Mice and Men" and "East of Eden". He wrote about the lives of the working class and the struggles of the poor during the Great Depression. His writing style is characterized by its simplicity and attention to detail, which helped to create a powerful and evocative portrayal of the American experience. Steinbeck died in 1968, but his work continues to be widely read and studied.
In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," the theme of dreams and their power over the characters is a central aspect of the novel. The characters all have their own aspirations and desires, but their dreams are ultimately shattered by the harsh realities of the world in which they live.
The most prominent dream in the novel is George and Lennie's dream of owning a small farm where they can live and work together. This dream serves as a symbol of the American Dream, which is the belief that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and happiness. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that their dream is unlikely to come true, as they are constantly on the move and never able to settle down. This highlights the harsh reality that the American Dream is often unattainable for many people, particularly during the Great Depression.
Another example of a dream in the novel is Curley's wife's dream of becoming a movie star. She shares this dream with Lennie, revealing that she feels trapped and unfulfilled in her current life. However, her dream is also doomed to fail, as she is stuck in a small town with a controlling and abusive husband.
Here are some quotes from "Of Mice and Men" that pertain to the theme of dreams and their power over the characters:
- "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world." - George, describing the loneliness and isolation of ranch life
- "We're gonna get a little place, and live on the fatta the lan', and have rabbits. Go on, George! Tell about what we're gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages and about the rain in the winter and the stove, and how thick the cream is on the milk like you can hardly cut it." - Lennie, describing their dream of owning a farm
- "I ain't got no people. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean." - George, explaining the importance of companionship and the dangers of isolation
- "I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely." - Curley's wife, expressing her isolation and longing for companionship
- "I coulda made something of myself. I coulda been a top hand. I coulda been somebody." - Candy, regretting not having the opportunity to fulfill his potential.
Candy also has a dream, which is to buy a small piece of land and live there with George and Lennie. He offers to contribute money to make the dream come true, but it eventually becomes clear that his money will not change the fact that Lennie's mental disability will prevent them from fulfilling their dream.
Lastly, Crooks, the only black worker, also has a dream of living in a place where he is not discriminated and treated unfairly. He also reveals that his dream will never come true, as he's destined to live in a society where racism is a norm.
In conclusion, Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" is a novel that explores the power of dreams and the harsh realities that often prevent them from coming true. The characters' dreams serve as a symbol of the American Dream and the human longing for a better life, but they ultimately come to realize that the world is not always kind or fair. Their shattered dreams serve as a reminder of the harsh realities of the Great Depression and the human condition.
05 Famous Omam quotes
- "I am houseless, but not homeless, I am poor, but not destitute, I am not a beggar, but I am a brother to the beggar, and I share his poverty." - John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
- "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." - John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
- "Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other." - John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
- "A guy needs somebody—to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody. Don’t make no difference who the guy is, long’s he’s with you." - John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
- "I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good. They don’t have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin’ to fight all the time." - John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
Curley Of Mice and Men
Curley is a character in the novel "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck. He is the boss's son and the antagonist of the story. He is a small, physically imposing man who is very insecure and has a chip on his shoulder. He is always looking for a fight and is quick to anger. He is also very possessive and jealous of his wife, which leads to tension and conflict with the other characters. Curley's wife is the only woman on the ranch and Curley is jealous of the attention she receives from other men. Curley's behavior and actions lead to tragic events in the story, and his character serves as a representation of the destructive nature of loneliness, isolation, and powerlessness.
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Literature