The theme of a story is an idea the author wishes to convey to the readers. It can be expressed directly in the work or revealed through the details of the story, such as plot, characters, and setting. In John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, one of the most important themes is dreams. The harsh truth that the American Dream-the idea that anyone can achieve goals through hard work and personal sacrifice is only granted to few, is represented in the book. The characters in the novel all dream of a better life, but are unable to achieve it due to various obstacles. In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck presents the idea that everyone has a dream but they ultimately go unfilled through the interactions and experiences of George, Crooks,
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Curley’s wife’s dream is to become an actress, and like Crooks, she suffers from loneliness. Curley’s wife says, ““He says he was gonna put me in the movies. . . Coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes-all of them clothes like they wear. An’ I coulda sat in them big hotels, an’ had pitchers took of me”” (Steinbeck 88-89). Curley’s wife’s dream is to become famous. She wishes to go to Hollywood and become a movie star. She wants to win fame and money, to wear nice clothes and to stay in grand hotels. Curley’s wife says, ““I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely. . .“You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad” (Steinbeck 86-87). Curley’s wife is lonely and craves friendship, but Curley becomes angry when she talks to the other men, as he and the men on the ranch assume she is trying to go behind Curley’s back instead. Curley’s wife’s death at the hands of Lennie portrays the end of George and Lennie’s friendship and their shared dream.
In the novel Of Mice and Men, the readers can see how the interactions between the complex characters reveal a theme: dreams. The harsh reality that every person has a dream or wishes for something, but is unable to attain it is presented by John Steinbeck. Each complex character has a dream. George wishes for independence, Crooks craves companionship and is insecure, and Curley’s wife too suffers from loneliness and wishes to become an actress. However, due to social limitations and obstacles, none of the characters are able to achieve their
Curley’s wife’s dream is to become an actress, and like Crooks, she suffers from loneliness. Curley’s wife says, ““He says he was gonna put me in the movies. . . Coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes-all of them clothes like they wear. An’ I coulda sat in them big hotels, an’ had pitchers took of me”” (Steinbeck 88-89). Curley’s wife’s dream is to become famous. She wishes to go to Hollywood and become a movie star. She wants to win fame and money, to wear nice clothes and to stay in grand hotels. Curley’s wife says, ““I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely. . .“You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad” (Steinbeck 86-87). Curley’s wife is lonely and craves friendship, but Curley becomes angry when she talks to the other men, as he and the men on the ranch assume she is trying to go behind Curley’s back instead. Curley’s wife’s death at the hands of Lennie portrays the end of George and Lennie’s friendship and their shared dream.
In the novel Of Mice and Men, the readers can see how the interactions between the complex characters reveal a theme: dreams. The harsh reality that every person has a dream or wishes for something, but is unable to attain it is presented by John Steinbeck. Each complex character has a dream. George wishes for independence, Crooks craves companionship and is insecure, and Curley’s wife too suffers from loneliness and wishes to become an actress. However, due to social limitations and obstacles, none of the characters are able to achieve their