1. Themes in ‘Of Mice and Men’ -The American Dream- Idealism vs. Realism The American Dream: Everyone has a dream to strive for. The poor ranch hands wish to be their own bosses, and actually have stability in their lives.

2. What is the American Dream? The term was first used by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America which was written in 1931. He states: The American Dream is that dream in which life should be better and richer for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to achieve the fullest stature of which they are capable of, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the circumstances of birth or position."

3. Is the American dream possible in the historical context of the novel?

4. "'Well,' said George, 'we'll have a big vegetable patch and a rabbit hutch and chickens. And when it rains in the winter, we'll just say the hell with goin' to work, and we'll build up a fire in the stove and set around it an' listen to the rain comin' down on the roof...'"

5. The American Dream in Of Mice and Men George and Lennie’s dream of owning a farm, which would enable them to sustain themselves, and, most important, offer them protection from an inhospitable world, represents a prototypically American ideal.

6. Ones Economic Class Decides Ones Opportunity George and Lennie are limited by their position in society. George and Lennie are limited by their position in society. Lennie's also symbolizes the helplessness of people in a capitalistic, commercial, competitive society. Lennie's also symbolizes the helplessness of people in a capitalistic, commercial, competitive society. The poor were a class of people who suddenly had captured the imagination of American writers in the 1930s. Steinbeck's novel was a sympathetic portrayal of the lives of the poorest class of working people, while exposing society's injustices and economic inequalities in the hope of improving their situation. Steinbeck's novel was a sympathetic portrayal of the lives of the poorest class of working people, while exposing society's injustices and economic inequalities in the hope of improving their situation.

7. Loneliness & Isolation Create Vulnerability Of Mice and Men teaches a grim lesson about the nature of human existence. Of Mice and Men teaches a grim lesson about the nature of human existence. Each character desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger. Each character desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger. The characters are rendered helpless by their isolation, and yet, even at their weakest, they seek to destroy those who are even weaker than they. The characters are rendered helpless by their isolation, and yet, even at their weakest, they seek to destroy those who are even weaker than they.

8. Racism Perpetuates Isolation Racism Perpetuates Isolation Somewhat related to the theme of loneliness is racism, which also results in personal isolation. Somewhat related to the theme of loneliness is racism, which also results in personal isolation. Steinbeck makes it clear that malice, fear, and anger in other people are to blame for prejudiced behavior. Steinbeck makes it clear that malice, fear, and anger in other people are to blame for prejudiced behavior.

9. Of Mice and Men explores the dynamics of male friendship. Usually ranchers have no family, no friends, and, therefore, no future. George and Lennie’s friendship strikes the other ranch workers as odd: their dependence on each causes suspicion. Usually ranchers have no family, no friends, and, therefore, no future. George and Lennie’s friendship strikes the other ranch workers as odd: their dependence on each causes suspicion. Although most of the men in the novel are entirely alone, they all crave true companionship. Male Friendship Is Rooted In Companionship

10. Commitment to Loyalty Among Peers George is steadfastly loyal throughout the novel, honoring his commitment to take care of Lennie. George is steadfastly loyal throughout the novel, honoring his commitment to take care of Lennie. George, with all his personal limitations, is a man who has committed himself in a compassionate relationship. George, with all his personal limitations, is a man who has committed himself in a compassionate relationship. George demonstrates the commitment necessary to join the ranks of Steinbeck's heroes. George demonstrates the commitment necessary to join the ranks of Steinbeck's heroes.