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How Does Steinbeck Present The Theme In Of Mice And Men

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The story “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck, is one which depicts a more realistic and depressing tone, with themes following suite as it takes place during the Great Depression. The characters are subject to many harsh realizations, with the most prominent one being a theme the audience can grasp; something you want won’t always be something you will have. As said, the theme is seen exhibited by 3 characters the most, being Crook’s dream, Curley’s dream, and Candy’s dream. Although each want a different change in their life, the Author shows the audience and the characters that life isn’t predictable, making their intangible or naive dreams all the more harder to achieve. This can be seen with Crooks, as his dream would have been seen as …show more content…

Since everyone is off playing horseshoes, Curley’s wife enters to barn hoping to find someone to talk to. There, she spots Lennie and the dead puppy. After conversing about the chances Curley’s wife has lost, she suddenly finds out Lennie likes to pet soft/smooth things. Knowing this, she allows Lennie to pet her hair. Thing turn sour however, as Lennie gets lost in himself and begins to mess up her hair. She tries to break free by jerking her head away, but Lennie holds on tightly during the scuffle, eventually dislocating her neck with a quick tug. This event brings up 2 major events in the novel, for not only will Lennie be killed for this, but Candy’s dream of having a place he could call home dies with him. For those who do not understand, there was a conversation held right before Curley fights with Lennie. This conversation was about Candy helping George and Lennie buy a house; stating, “S’pose I went with you guys. Tha’s three hundred and fifty bucks I’d put in.” How did this desire become unreachable? Well, as the author has shared, Lennie and George planned on working for a month, earning 100 dollars collectively. With 600 being their goal, all three of their savings would have totaled to 450, allowing them to buy the ranch early; letting George to work for the extra cash while Lennie and Candy tend the house. With Lennie gone, Candy is unable to help out and George is unable to get the funds needed to buy the house, thus leading to Candy’s dream to die, a dream where he wished to die with a place he could call home with his friends by his side when he passes. But without those factors, Candy’s want also becomes

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