Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Shattered Dreams in Of Mice and Men

 

            Dreams can be both realistic and unrealistic but you need to work hard if you want them to come true. Several sets of characters in "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, had dreams but not all of them were possible to achieve. A person must strive to overcome obstacles to ensure their dreams come to fruition.
             George and Lennie's dream to own a ranch together proved to be unattainable for several reasons. One reason is Lennie always messed things up. For example, George, before they arrive at the ranch, tells Lennie what to do when they meet the boss so Lennie won't screw up::If he finds out what a lazy bastard you are we won't get no job". (page 6) This shows how undependable Lennie was. George then is the only responsible character between them, which caused their dream to be unrealistic. Lennie can't even be trusted with a mouse. He picked one up and began petting it and accidently broke it's neck because he didn't know his own strength. "Tell you what I'll do, Lennie. First chance I get I'll give you a pup. Maybe you wouldn't kill it. That'd be better than mice. And you could pet it harder". (page 13) Secondly, George and Lennie's dream is unrealistic because they had to deal with Lennie's inability to control his strength and emotions, forcing them to run away from something more than once. For example, "He seen this girl in a red dress. Dumb bastard like he is, he wants to touch everything he likes so he reaches out to feel the dress an the girl lets out a squawk". (page 41).
             Crook's dream is also unrealistic because of the relationship between the blacks and whites back then. Crooks wanted to have a better job than a stable buck. Crooks says he feels alone and would like to be included with the other workers on the ranch. He was even going to volunteer at George and Lennie's farm. His dreams were shattered when Curly's wife said "Well, you keep your place then, Nigger.


Essays Related to Shattered Dreams in Of Mice and Men