Dreams and Aspirations

Dreams and aspirations are crucial themes in Of Mice and Men. The story shows what the characters want for their future and the tough realities that often stop these dreams. It also shows how chasing dreams affects the characters' lives and gives them hope and motivation.

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The dream of owning a piece of land is central for George and Lennie. It represents their hope for stability and self-sufficiency:

Lennie: "We could live offa the fatta the lan'."

Lennie's constant mention of this dream shows how important it is to him and George. It comforts them and symbolises a better life, different from their current hard life of moving from job to job. This dream gives them something to aim for and a sense of purpose.

George expresses how their shared dream gives them hope:

George: "We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us."

This quote shows that their dream is not just about owning land but also about their friendship. It's about having a future where they belong and can care for each other. Their dream gives them direction and a break from their tough life.

Candy, an ageing ranch worker, becomes interested in George and Lennie's dream after losing his dog:

Candy: "S'pose I went in with you guys. Tha's three hundred an' fifty bucks I'd put in."

Candy's offer to put in his savings shows his desperation for security and a sense of belonging. After his dog dies, the dream gives him new hope, a chance to escape loneliness, and a chance to feel like part of a family with George and Lennie.

Crooks, the stable hand, briefly thinks about joining their dream:

Crooks: "If you... guys would want a hand to work for nothing—just his keep, why I'd come an' lend a hand."

Even though he is initially sceptical, Crooks's interest in the dream shows his desire for companionship and a better life. This moment shows that the dream resonates with everyone, even those who feel marginalised and cynical.

However, harsh reality often crushes these dreams. George's realisation about the futility of their aspirations is touching:

George: "I think I knowed from the very first. I think I knowed we'd never do her."

George's acknowledgement that their dream is unlikely to happen highlights the novel's theme of shattered dreams. Despite their hopes and efforts, external problems and internal flaws often ruin their plans, showing the bigger-picture struggle of many people during the Great Depression.

Curley's wife also has dreams of a different life, wanting to become a movie star:

Curley's wife: "I coulda made somethin' of myself. Maybe I will yet."

Her unfulfilled dreams show the limitations placed on her by society and her circumstances. Her desire for a different life reflects the theme of unreachable dreams, showing how dreams can offer comfort and lead to disappointment.