The Impact of Dreams in Of Mice and Men

Steinbeck's portrayal of dreams in "Of Mice and Men" serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition during the Great Depression. The novella explores how dreams can simultaneously provide hope and potentially lead to disappointment.

Definition: The American Dream - The idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.

The role of dreams in Of Mice and Men is multifaceted:

1. Source of hope: Dreams give characters something to strive for in difficult times.

2. Coping mechanism: Characters use dreams to escape the harsh realities of their lives.

3. Bonding element: Shared dreams, like George and Lennie's, create strong connections between characters.

4. Catalyst for disappointment: When dreams fail to materialize, characters face emotional turmoil.

Quote: George describes their dream: "We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us."

Lennie and George dream quotes often center around their vision of owning land and "livin' off the fatta the lan'." This shared aspiration provides structure to their relationship and motivates their actions throughout the novella.

Highlight: The recurring motif of dreams in the novella reflects the broader societal hopes and disappointments during the Great Depression era.

Steinbeck uses the theme of dreams to illustrate how people cling to hope in desperate times, while also showing the potential dangers of unrealistic expectations. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the characters and provides insight into the psychological impact of economic hardship on individuals and communities.