The American Dream In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Words: 1265
Pages: 6
Open Document
Everyone has a dream that they one day dream to achieve whether it be a stride or simple life goals that are of high importance to the individual. There are two main perspectives on the American Dream. One describing that the American Dream is unrealistic and the other claiming that it is possible if you put in the work and effort. George and Lennie believe it is possible to overcome and express that in the novel, Of Mice and Men, multiple times. However, in the excerpt from, The Joy Luck Club, the main character, Nikan, does not believe the American Dream is possible for her to achieve. Both stories describe negative and positive outcomes throughout the novels. In Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie believe they can one day follow with their …show more content…
The excerpt of the book described a common scenario. There were multiple pieces of evidence throughout that proved this statement true. First, in the text, it described, “My mother believed you could be anything you wanted to in America,” (P1). This is the basis of the story that described what this girl experienced because of her mother’s hopes for life that awaited for her daughter in America. Continuing on, the text also mentioned, “...you can be a prodigy too… You can be the best anything,” (P2). Nikan may not believe in herself that she could become a prodigy, but her mother has all of the faith in the world that her daughter can accomplish anything. This excerpt is the perfect examples of the two different perspectives of the American Dream. Nikan and her mother both believe that is is a real concept and that it only theoretically exists. On one side, specifically to Nikan, is that the American Dream is not achievable for herself. She does not have enough faith in herself that she could become something so superb. On the other hand, according to Nikan’s mother, the American Dream is in the palm of her daughter’s hands once they find what that key talent for Nikan is. She one hundred percent believes, that with hard work and dedication, her daughter will achieve the American Dream. What most likely separates them from their reasoning is Nikan’s mother came to America for …show more content…
The American Dream is present in both texts, but the two stories have different perspectives on its reality. One view describing its only a fairytale and another telling that if you really pursue it, you can accomplish it. George and Lennie have a positive outlook and hope, but Nikan has negative outlook and has little motivation to keep her going. But both stories cross hurdles and in the general aspect, are working towards the same aspiration whether they believe it is achievable or not. From their differences, to Nikan’s situation, to George and Lennie’s circumstance, the American Dream comes in all shapes and forms. It all just depends on how it is
Show More

Related Documents: The American Dream In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, is a novella regards to the times of the Great Depression. It implies the life of men and women and their ambitions. Major thematic topics open as the novella’s plot unlocks, topics such as: nature of dreams, barriers, the powerless vs. the powerful, and the loss of paradise. Steinbeck reveals the determination of the main characters, George and Lennie, who wants to possess a ranch. However, they are not awakened to the obstacles that stand in the way. Lennie, the…

Words 673 - Pages 3

Essay On The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The American Dream is written into the Declaration of Independemce in the most famous quote, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The American Dream means different things and there is not one definite meaning in the American Dream. It is an ideal that all citizens of the US should have an equal opportunity to achieve success through hard work and determination. Though that’s not the case. The American Dream is ruined or in my opinion is dead now because of inequality, racism, violence,…

Words 661 - Pages 3

Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

In the book, Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck during 1930s, the theme of book is the American Dream. The American Dream is the opportunity to achieve prosperity through hard work. The main characters are George Milton and Lennie Small, their American Dream is to own their own farm, but does not go as planned. In the book, Steinbeck’s message regarding the American Dream is, even if you may work really hard sometimes the dream will not come true. In the book Steinbeck to says, "I seen hundreds…

Words 513 - Pages 3

Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

For most, the thought of achieving their dreams provides hope and stability, but for others the impossibility of acquiring it is detrimental. The Great Depression was a time in which the American dream was as simple as having a job or an education. The old portrayal of the great American dream may seem silly to the modern day society; but for those living during that time period, this dream was everything. It provided a way to get through the day and live a better life than they would have if…

Words 964 - Pages 4

Comparing The American Dream In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The American dream, a very relative term for the most part. Some believe it is about money and power, while others think it is to achieve happiness and reach your goals and fulfill your dreams. For example, George’s dream is to own farmland and own his own property, whereas Lennie has the simple dream of owning a fair amount of rabbits. There is a very distinct difference between them, and it really does show what type of person they are, and even what they might find the American dream is. People’s…

Words 675 - Pages 3

Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The American dream If there was one word to define the American dream, it would be happiness. The American dream means controlling day to day responsibilities while aspiring for a greater future. Steinbeck writes how the American dream symbolized a piece of land and rabbits in Of Mice and Men. Today, many economists believe that the percentage of kids passing their parents economically has decreased. Others believe that the definition of the American dream has changed over the time. From owning…

Words 914 - Pages 4

Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

What exactly is the american dream? Is it owning a sports car or having lots of money? Or is it accomplishing goals and being truly happy? In Of Mice and Men John SteinBeck shows the american dream as it was and that was to own your own land and to be successful. Throughout the story Lennie and George are talking about their dream. That dream was to own a farm by themselves. Lennie dreamed of all the rabbits he could tend to and George encouraged him to dream. If they had their own land then they…

Words 253 - Pages 2

Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

to think, before the ball was in the back of the net. Everyone has a dream, along with George and Lennie in the novel Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck. All they want is a happy life, and piece of land. The American Dream is prevalent in the novel because people don’t always get what they dream of in the unfair world of challenges. Living life can be hard, when you have dreams that may never…

Words 699 - Pages 3

Theme Of The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, is “the dream” and its impact on people living during that time period. George and Lennie’s dream of having a farm and not having work for anyone. Candy wants to join George and Lennie after his dog dies and he realizes he has nothing else left for him. Curley’s wife talks about her acting dream, and how she believes her mother got in her way. George and Lennie are two companions that travel to ranches to work. They are trying to one day reach their dream of having…

Words 1115 - Pages 5

Comparing The American Dream In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Although most dreams die, Gail Devers once said, “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.” In the novella Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, George and Lennie struggled to achieve their dreams. They acquired new jobs at a ranch where they met several people who were also in the process of achieving their dreams or had already failed to do so. Having a dream has negatively impacted all…

Words 1129 - Pages 5