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The Importance Of American Dreams In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Everyone is a dreamer. We all have several goals that we aspire to fulfill. These objectives that we have are what keep us going, providing our minds with a sense of hope and comfort. However, sometimes the harsh truth of our society can crush these fantasies, which results in a feeling of loss. In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck shows that the hardships of the world prevent american dreams from becoming a reality through religious tales, specifically with the characterizations of Lennie, Curley’s wife, and the conflicts that pull George and Lennie apart.
In the novella, Lennie Small is symbolic of the imperfect human being who suffers from the temptations of everyday life. He has a curiosity that causes him to be constantly drawn to things in which he desires; specifically, his american dream. He longs to live a happy life on a ranch full of animals with a house and money, “We gonna get a little place… an’ live on the fatta the lan’” (Steinbeck 105). However, this ambition isn’t the only thing that Lennie aspires. He takes a liking to women in red dresses; tempted by what he sees. When he discerns a lady in red attire, he’s allured by her, “wants to touch ever’thing he likes”(Steinbeck 41). However, when Lennis lays his hands on her, the woman immediately accuses Lennie of sexual assault; which is foreshadow of what is to occur later on. When Curley’s wife is introduced, Lennie is captivated by her as well. She intrigues him with her scarlet clothing, parallel to the serpent

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