Themes in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men

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Of Mice and Men

Essay Writing

In this essay I will be discussing the novel 'Of Mice and Men' and the importance of the American dream which is a main theme in the novel. I will also be mentioning some other themes which are present such as loneliness, racism, ageism, hardship, friendship and broken dreams.

The American dream states

?All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.?

America is supposed to be a land built on opportunity. It promised independence, land and a decent living throughout honest work. It also meant in theory that anyone can become successful. It is a great dream for the lucky few that succeed,

Throughout this novel the theme of the American dream plays a major role. The characters Lennie and George?s dream is to buy their own ranch together and be their own boss. Throughout the novel the dream is mentioned monotonously by Lennie and George and soon it becomes Candy?s dream, so it is very important throughout the novel because these characters rely on it and it is the only hope which they have left.

The dream is very important because it is what some of the characters rely on and what keeps them going, just the thought that one day they may actually achieve this dream and escape the loneliness and disappointment and peril which is their lives. The dream of the ranch keeps George and Lennie going through the tough times and it infects others like Candy and Crooks yet is just a bunch of words repeated over and over again. It starts off being said rhythmically but by the end they?re spoken monotonously. When George finally accepts that dreams don?t come true, the dream becomes a burden to him.

?Tell about that place George?.

Fragment (consider revising)

?Go on-tell again George!?

This is a bit of a comfort story for Lennie which you tell a child.

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