The+American+Dream

The American Dream is the central idea that is explored in this novel. Through the characters of Lennie and George, Steinbeck is revealing to us the importance of the Dream to people in the Depression. It is symbolised by the little house that these 2 characters hope to have one day and we see how it is the hope of this 'house' where theyt will live "off the fatta the lan' " that drivesLennie and George. In this house, they will have "a room to ourself. Little fat iron stove an' in winter we'd keep the fire goin in it." Stinbeck uses the house and its protective warmth to symboise the security and comfort in hard time so fhte American Dream.

They are contrasted by the other charcters around them who have no hope and nno dream. These characters, like Crooks and Candy, are physically damaged and this symbolises how their souls are broken by an absence of hope. They fight with each other (Curley: "He stiffened and went into a slight crouch His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.") and are verbally aggressive to one another: "You God damn punk ... I'll kick your God damn head off." (Carlson)

It teased them and fooled them into thinking they could reach their goal. It also offered false hope, the plot shows this. || "They come, an' they quit and go on; an' every damn one of'em's got a litlle piece of land in his head. An' never a God damn one of em' ever gets it just like heaven. Ever'body || The American Dream uses symbolism. The symbol they use for the American Dream is the rabbits and the fire in the house which offers security, warmth and comfort. ||
 * Comment || Discussion || Quote || Technique ||
 * Provides happiness and hope || The American Dream provides happiness and hope because it gave them something to look forward to and it inspired them. || "Come on George. Tell me please George. Like you did before". ||  ||
 * Provides motivation and purpose || Has a positive affect on George and Lennie's lives and it also contrasts with other men who dont have a purpose. || "But not us! An' why? Because... I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you, and that's why." || Use of a positive tone in his voice. ||
 * Comfort and security for Lennie || The Dream provides comfort and security for Lennie at troubled times. || "Live off the fatta of the land." ||  ||
 * The American Dream was impossible || The American Dream is impossible to achieve. It made them think they could achieve, but really they couldn't.
 * Comment || Discussion || Quote || Technique ||
 * || Candy symbolises every man who has been broken and hurt, and who has given up all hope because of the American Dream, his hand symbolises this. ||  ||   ||