The American Dream in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay

When we try to chase our dreams, we end up in our own diminutive lonely world. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, has taught readers that the American dream can only ever be accomplished through hard work and determination. More times than others, we are distracted by the dream itself, and don’t chase the reality, which can then lead to high expectations, and without hard determination, that can then failure. In the end, we have been lonely for so long, chasing a dream, that when reality hits us, we become isolated and lonely. For George and Lennie, they have each other, until the American dream seemed too hard to chase. The friendship between the two men might be useful for both of them, yet it is more useful for Lennie, than it is for†¦show more content†¦In this case, George learned this the hard way. Once Lennie did the last bad thing he could do, George knew that he had to decide whether he wanted to struggle or survive, the American dream was no longer an option for them, at least not together. Was George finds Lennie, Lennie says, â€Å"you ain’t gonna leave me, are ya, George? I know you aint.†(Page.103 line 2-3) This quote proves how even Lennie knows that George has been held back by him. That day, after Lennie killed their boss’s wife, he knows that he can’t continue on with him. Failure never really struck the two men, their American dream of owning their own land and not having to work for someone else, was only ever that, a dream. Even though it was later than sooner that George decided what was best for him, he stopped dreaming, and learned to start living. After he let go of Lennie, sadness had followed. Like everyone else, George knows that he has to just move on and let it go. George says,† I just done it.† (Page. 107. Line 15) In conclusion, The American Dream left George lonely like he has never been with Lennie. Together, the two could have had anything, determination got in the way of that. Like mice, human kind has a tendency to chase after what is right in front of them, because it’s simply easier. Once the dream dust has settled, and we can see the truth, I think readers now know whether they want to continue working hard towards their dream, or start living inShow MoreRelatedThe American Dream in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck712 Words   |  3 PagesThe American Dream in Of Mice and Men The American dream is the traditional social ideals of the US, such as equality, democracy, and material prosperity. In the Novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck the American Dream plays a huge role in almost every character’s lives, and the different version of the American dream for each individual has affected both their lives and the outcome of this novella. 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