Theme Of Dreams In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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When times get troubled, people often look to their hopes and dreams for inspiration. In Of Mice and Men, George, Lennie, and various other characters, all have goals for the future. But these dreams just lead to their pain. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck reveals the theme of dreams, and how they harm the characters, through dialogue and character’s actions.

George and Lennie spend quite a lot of time together, and they each have, and share a dream. In a bout of anger, George says “‘God almighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an’ work, an’ no trouble at all.’” (Steinbeck 11). George is constantly weighed down by Lennie, and cannot even live a normal life. This dream has always been building tensions between …show more content…
He says in the act, “‘Oh! Please don’t do none of that,’ he begged. ‘George gonna say I done a bad thing. He ain’t gonna let me tend the rabbits.’” (91). Curley’s wife screamed and struggled, and Lennie did not even notice. He was obsessed with the nervous possibility that she would prevent him his dream. He didn’t notice she was dying. And even after she died, the first thing Lennie did was wonder if George would let him tend the rabbits, his dream. He had not even stopped to care about her. His dream came first. Another character had caused damage with his intent; Curley. While looking for his wife, he says to Slim, “‘I didn’ mean nothing,’ said Curley. ‘I jus’ thought you might of saw her.’” (62). Even though Curley has a strange way of showing it, he cares about his wife. He has a dream to be with her. But all she does is leave, and talk to other men- which is why he is always going around looking for her. Of course, all this persistent badgering by Curley has only pushed his wife further away, making Curley, and her, unhappier.

Dreams are a major theme in Of Mice and Men. Yet, all of them are unrealistic. When asked about the farm, “‘George said softly, ‘-I think I knowed from the very first. I knowed we’d never do her. He utsa hear about it so much I got thinking maybe we would.’” (94). Most characters in OMAM know they probably will not be able to achieve their goal. Even so, they still reach for that highest star (a farm, maybe rabbits, or being with your wife). But when the downfall comes, it feels even
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