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

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For most, the thought of achieving their dreams provides hope and stability, but for others the impossibility of acquiring it is detrimental. The Great Depression was a time in which the American dream was as simple as having a job or an education. The old portrayal of the great American dream may seem silly to the modern day society; but for those living during that time period, this dream was everything. It provided a way to get through the day and live a better life than they would have if they did not hold on to such a dream. John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a perfect example of the conflict and power a dream holds over a person. Through the characters Lennie, George, and Crooks, Steinbeck illustrates how the American dream is a …show more content…
The American dream for Crooks means a chance to experience equality as well as what it means to have friends and family. For example, when crooks talks to lennie about being alone, he reveals that he actually doesn’t enjoy being isolated, but the idea of the dream allows him to be included. Crooks reveals that he would like to be a part a Lennie and George’s dream when he says, “... If you… guys would want a hand to work for nothing--- just his keep, why I’d come an’ lend a hand. I ain’t so crippled I can’t work like a son-of-a-bitch if I want to.” The power the dream had over Crooks was that it gave him hope, especially hope away from being a black stable buck. He was often treated unfairly which can be ascribed to the color of his skin as well as his isolation from the white society. Although slavery had been abolished the feeling of equality was not yet visible throughout the country. Therefore, his impossibility is the time period which he is living. Due to the inequality he is treated with, he will never be able to acquire the dream that will give him the feeling of fitting in he so desperately
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