Of Mice and Men Essay
I found the novel ‘Of Mice and Men‘ by John Steinbeck an inspirational read as it has made me aware of the importance of dreams. It is also a story of defeated hope, which illustrates the idea that dreams can be beneficial, but unrealistic dreams just lead to disappointment and grief.
The story concerns two migrant workers who go to work on a ranch. They have aspirations of acquiring their own piece of land on which to make a living but sadly their failure is almost destined.
Steinbeck creates the idea that the characters in this story live difficult lives and need dreams to give them something to look forward to during times of depression.
The story is set in the 1930’s when America was suffering an economic depression. Unemployment and poverty were very high with jobs scarce. Unskilled agricultural workers bore the brunt of it with machinery being used more and more as identified by George. ‘I seen thrashin’ machines on the way down. That means we’ll be bucking grain bags.’ George and Lennie were going between jobs aimlessly and their dream provided the drive to keep going. The dream also gave them something to look forward to during dismal times. ‘I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon.’ This shows Lennie’s optimism about the dream and his full belief in its happening. I felt sympathy for these men because they work really hard at their jobs but don’t seem to get anywhere. Read more…
