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Analysis Of John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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In the days of the Great Depression, many people lived in a harsh environment. people’s hopes were to get a job and be able to support their family through these rough times. These hopes and dreams are known as the American Dream, which is still alive today. In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, this topic is explored. The book illustrates the day to day life of George and Lennie, ranch workers who are living in the time of the great depression, who have a dream of owning their own ranch one day. Lennie is different than the other men because of his mental disability that doesn’t allow Lennie to understand what others do and say. George, his friend, took the responsibility of taking care of him. Because of his disability, Lennie has accidentally taken the life of Curley’s wife which then leads to the death of Lennie himself, also George and Lennie can’t accomplish their goal of owning a ranch. Steinbeck utilizes symbols such as Crooks and Curley’s Wife, the ranch and rabbits to portray the American Dream as impossible to catch. While the Great Depression lasted, there was a great deal of segregation of color and gender that endured with it too. In Of Mice and Men, Crooks and Curley’s wife are affected by this subject. Crooks being the only black guy and Curley’s wife being the only woman on the ranch face many restrictions. Crooks lives in the barn and his job is to take care of the horses and to clean the barn. The only activity he is allowed to participate in is horseshoe

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