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

The American Dream is often thought of as the key to happiness, usually defined as the thing that one wants to achieve in their lifetime. However, it does not always end the way one may wish. When one attempts to achieve it, he risks the possibility of failure. In many fictional novels, this theme is displayed. In novels and in real life, there are continuous interruptions with one’s dreams. Although the American Dream, however one may define it, promises hope for people and characters from all backgrounds, it is impossible to achieve.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck opens with the main characters, George and Lennie, walking to a ranch where job are available. Readers quickly realize that George, the smaller man, leads and makes the decisions, while Lennie, the mentally handicapped and giant one, follows. When the two stop at a stream for the evening, George tells Lennie that he must not continue to pursue his love for petting soft things. If anything were to happen at the ranch, he explains to Lennie that he must return to the exact same spot by the stream. They speak of past events to pass the time, with emphasis on their talk about the dream they wish to achieve one day. Lennie asks George to tell him about that dream, "

Gatsby leads a great life when readers first meet him; he is wealthy and popular among Long Island citizens. However, it all quickly comes to an end when Gatsby’s true past and identity are revealed. Fitzgerald compels readers to believe that the main character had achieved “The American Dream”. However, Gatsby’s fulfillment of the dream was a fabrication for many years. Readers learn that Gatsby’s true dream is to reconnect with Daisy, although, he is not able to do so despite his efforts. It is clear that, considering that Gatsby is revealed to be a fraud, he would never be able to achieve his true American Dream of being with