The Pursuit of the American Dream in John Steinbecks Of...

Of Mice and Men is a short novel about the story of two migrant workers who are best friends during the Great Depression (Goldhurst 49). The setting is the Salinas Valley in California, and the majority of the characters are unskilled migratory workers who do what their name implies. They travel from towns and ranches and farms looking for work and eventually move on to find another job. John Steinbeck puts the spotlight on two migratory workers who dream to finally settle down by saving money to buy their own land. One of the main characters is George Milton, a smart, small, sensitive, and kindhearted man, who is the leader of the duo. The other main character is Lennie Small, who is oversized, mentally challenged, physically powerful,†¦show more content†¦An anonymous quote is that â€Å"Dreaming is humanity’s only defense against an indifferent world† (Of Mice and Men (Themes) 1). George’s and Lennie’s dream was to own a farm, to have rabbits, to be their own boss, and as Lennie would say to â€Å"live off the fatta tha lan† (Owens 145). A central metaphor in Steinbeck’s work is that America is represented as an imperfect world, a Garden of Eden (Hadella 34). George’s and Lennie’s dream of a little farm is a vision of Eden that has been recognized as an important part of the American dream theme in Of Mice and Men. Their dream is a vision of Eden in that they are sons of Cain (Owens 145). The dream of George and Lennie represents a desire to defy the curse of Cain and fallen man to break the pattern of wandering and loneliness imposed on the outcasts and to return to the perfect garden (146). The California valley setting dictates that the stories â€Å"will take place in a fallen world and that the quest for the illusive and illusory Eden will be of central thematic significance† (Hadella 34). But according to Owens, â€Å"The good life is impossible because humanity is flawed† (146). The land hunger of impoverished farm worker, a dream of independence, usually remains a dream; and when it becomes a real plan, the plan is defeated. This ties into where Steinbeck got the title for the novel which is from a line in Robert Burns’ poem (Van Kirk 1). â€Å"The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley.† This means, â€Å"TheShow MoreRelatedThe Grapes Of Wrath And Of Mice And Men1644 Words   |  7 PagesJarvis Johnson Research Paper John Steinbeck is an American author of 27 books, widely known for award winning novels, The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men; Steinbeck is also a Nobel Prize winning of Literature. Steinbeck’s writing expresses realistic and creative thoughts, combining as they do compassionate comedy (through Lennie) and intense social perception with their surrounding national culture. 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The Steinbeck’s Novella Of Mice and Men is experience threw twoRead MoreWhat Is The Dream In The American Dream858 Words   |  4 PagesThe Dream in Of Mice and Men Of Mice and Men is a novel written by John Steinbeck. The book tells a story of how two opposite individuals, George and Lennie cope with their problems as they travel around California in search of ranch work. Throughout the story Steinbeck displays realism. This category of literature is where the author does not sugar coat life. Steinbeck does not â€Å"romanticize the natural world or human nature† (Curry). In doing so in this type of reality many people have a â€Å"dream†Read MoreEssay on John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men1451 Words   |  6 PagesJohn Steinbecks Of Mice and Men .The novel Of Mice and Men was written by John Steinbeck. In Soledad, California during the Great Depression in the 1930s two men of the one named George and the other named Lennie were men who travel around working at ranches. George is the small, quick-witted one, and Lennie is the big, slow, dumb and extremely strong one. They have a dream, to have a little place all to themselves, without anyone bothering them. Their dreams are shattered though, when LennieRead More Of Mice and Men and Steinbeck’s Life Essay2035 Words   |  9 PagesOf Mice and Men and Steinbeck’s Life      Ã‚   If an author does not have at least one great popular success, he or she may well be ignored by the media, but if he or she is constantly popular, then the critics become suspicious of the writers serious intentions (Benson Introduction). What do critics from the literary world have to say about Steinbecks writings? Critics have much to say, both positive and negative. What link exists between Steinbeck and his writings? Perhaps the most noteworthy