preview

The American Dream

Decent Essays

Of Mice and Men Unit Essay “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each” -James Truslow Adams. For George, this dream was true in every way. In the novel Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, George's idea of success is attaining happiness in both spiritual and materialistic ways. Throughout the novel George's relationship with Slim helped accomplish his dream, while Lennie hindered it in many ways. George’s true definition of success is essentially what many consider the American Dream. Like most migrants and farm workers “Getting a little place...off the fatta land…[and] having a cow”, symbolizes materialistic triumph (Steinbeck 105). George dreams of one day owning a piece of land, which in the long run symbolizes true independence. Independence is something that is desired by many seeking a new life, in George’s case, his chance of gaining independence is represented by a mere piece of land. Consequently, he understands that a piece of land will lead him to financial freedom as well. In George’s mind, the freedom from daily hardship indicates stability in everyday life, or “S’pose they was a carnival or a circus come to town ...or a ball game...or any damn thing...we’d just go to her” (Steinbeck 60). The freedom to go to any place he wants and at any price indicates true success, which is essential for happiness. In the Harvest Gypsies during the 1940’s this type of freedom also defined their success;

Get Access