Dreamers' Doom
Starting high school means reading multiple novels, most which become a drag to read. Along come essays, book reports, and the dreaded exams. What remains unknown to most is the hidden message behind every novel, the deep side of every character, how much the simple things in life truly mean, and how much knowledge there is to gain from reading a book with just 103 pages. During the 1930's in Of Mice and Men, two migrant laborers travel from the towns Weed to Soledad because one of the two men is accused of rape. His only way of out death is fleeing with the other man. From beginning to end of John Steinbeck's classic novel, Of Mice and Men, the importance of dreams is used as an incentive while there is always a stopping force, otherwise known as impossibility. Despite the fact that they are fairly reachable, it is made clear that they will eternally remain fantasies, nothing more.
Most noticeably, it is seen that George, a “small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features” man finds himself trapped inside his delusional bubble (Steinbeck 2). He envisions himself and his long-life-friend, Lennie, owning a few acres of land where they could become their own bosses. George establishes strength through this dream. He has something to keep him looking forward to in life, picturing what is soon-to-happen, and imagining the future he yearns for. “ 'We gotta keep it till we get a stake...If we can just get a few dollars in the pocket we'll shove off and go up the American River and pan gold' ” (30-31). As George speaks, he makes it clear that he is only working in Soledad to accomplish his glorious dream, even if it means living a nightmare while in the process. Furthermore, dreaming this keeps him from feeling alone like the rest of the ranchers. He and Lennie now have something to share, something to tighten their relationship. Migrant workers, like George and Lennie, travel alone from ranch to ranch because their jobs are inconstant. It is strange to see two men travel together. “ 'But not us! An' why? Because...because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that's why' ” (13). Nonetheless, several obstacles slow down or completely halt the progression of his sugar-coated illusion. It is obvious that George's love for Lennie is limitless, even then, George recognizes that Lennie draws him back. “ 'God a'mighty, if I was alone I could live so easily. I could get a job an' work, an' no trouble' ” (10). Because of Lennie's mental problem and his awfully noble character, George feels the obligation to protect and watch after him. He chooses to guard Lennie of harm though he knows if he does, his dream becomes unattainable. Moreover, his lack of money shatters his dream. “ 'We can make maybe a couple of dollars a day there, and we might hit a pocket' ” (31). When Candy offers to help pay for the land in exchange for a place to live, George's soul fills with hope, yet, he knows he has to work more to make enough money. It would be a long time before he and the others would have the necessary money to buy the land, a little too much. Thus, the value of dreams is generally expressed and often becomes an essential part of life but as reality strikes, the time to snap back into assured events comes.
In the light of Of Mice and Men, it is easy to see that Curley's Wife, a girl with “full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes” has resentment towards the way she lives her life (29). Without the insight of her dream, which is to become a Hollywood film star, she would continue to be “ 'that bitch' ” (30). After she explains her early life to Lennie, the reader understands why she acts the way she does. Curley's wife feels frustrated, disappointed, and lonely. “ 'Ain't I got the right to talk to nobody' ” she cries to Lennie in a rather defensive manner (83). Before this, all the men thought she tried to get them into trouble
