The American Dream in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

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The novel, 'Of Mice and Men' written by John Steinbeck refers back to

The American Dream as 'heaven'.

Steinbeck is trying to point out that the American Dream is

unrealistic. This novel looks back at the dreams of American

individuals in the 1930's. It is set in California at the time of the

Great Depression during which the American stock market collapsed

leaving the nation in a state of economical disarray.

The disease, hunger and poverty in England were high during this

period. Landowners were very wealthy but the rest of the people had to

struggle and work very hard for survival. Not only did they have to

feed themselves but they also had to pay off the heavy taxes, which

went to the landowners. It also was a country where Roman Catholics

were unacceptable. These Catholics who wanted to get away from the

position of being unwanted in England immigrated to America along with

the rest of the people who wanted to be free from England's heavy

taxes. They were known as the 'Pilgrim Fathers'- Their ship was called

'Mayflower'. One of the first states a lot of the people settled in

was Philadelphia, Latin for 'City of Brotherly Love'.

The introduction of the novel includes an image of this new Eden, the

'willows fresh and green with every spring'. Unfortunately we find out

it is autumn when he describes the crispy, dead leaves. Some of the

religious individuals thought America was like a new paradise, just

like the one in the holy bible - It was at first so green and

beautiful but then Adam and Eve spoilt it by going against God's

commands so God made men live on Earth and as individuals they have to

work for survival. Steinbe...

... middle of paper ...

...Liberty and

Pursuit of Happiness'. The Americans were very happy at first but when

the Depression and drought came in the nation, it destroyed this dream

of freedom and equality.

Steinbeck is trying to state that The American Dream won't ever work

again because of the society's manner.

He is also trying to point out that life is harder for the 'weak

ones'; the females, black raced, crippled, disabled and elderly.

He reckoned there was only one hope. If the American society stopped

being afraid and became slightly more confident, then they could have

been able to reform a community in order to achieve The American

Dream.

To express his thoughts to the reader, he has included a moment where

George, Lennie, Candy and Crooks get together and start to plan for

the future in order to make dreams to come true.

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