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Of Mice And Men Quote Analysis

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It is a widely accepted notion that working hard will automatically pay off. This may not be difficult to believe since putting in the extra effort and studying more for a quiz usually results in a better grade and carefully looking over work before submitting it makes it more likely to get published. Countless famous individuals have vouched for this idea. Lailah Gifty Akita once said, “Without discipline, hard work, and commitment, we will never have realized our dreams.” This quote clearly states Akita’s belief that hard work and effort will translate into prosperity. However, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck proposes a completely different idea. Persistence and hard work do not always ensure success.

Despite many long years …show more content…

For instance, Slim and George are talking in the bunkhouse one night when the latter tells Slim, “When his Aunt Clara died, Lennie just come with me” (40). Because Lennie has been with George for such a long time, George has gotten used to taking care of Lennie and keeping him out of trouble. This is one of his primary objectives, but all of his effort is in vain when Lennie gets into trouble anyway when George is not there to watch over him. Lennie’s behavior seals his death and George fails in the job of keeping Lennie from harm. Equally important, when George sees Curley’s wife dead in the barn, he immediately understands the consequences, remarking sorrowfully, “I think I knowed we’d never do her” (94). George’s reaction implies that he has always harbored some hesitation about the likelihood of getting a farm. Lennie is the one that really keeps the dream alive with his enthusiasm, leading George to believe in it. Once tragedy strikes with the death of Curley’s wife, George loses hope and admits these doubts. Regardless of all the work he has put into bringing about the completion of these aspirations, George cannot do it without Lennie and finally gives up. Both of George’s main intentions during the novel end up failing, notwithstanding all the effort he has given to make them

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