Of Mice and Men Themes

Of Mice and Men Themes

1. Dream

   • George
     • George and Lennie share a dream- to own a little patch of land and live on it with freedom.
     • He is so set on the idea that he even knows of some land that he thinks he could buy.
   • Lennie
     • George and Lennie share a dream- to own a little patch of land and live on it in freedom.
     • Lennie's main desire is to tend the soft- haired rabbits they will keep.
   • Crooks
     • Crooks dreams of being seen as equal to everyone else, He knows his civil rights.
     • He remembers fondly his childhood, when he played with white children who came to his family's ranch, and longs for a similar relationship with white people again.
   • Candy
     • Candy joins George and Lennie's plan on owning a piece of land.
     • His savings would make the dream actually possible.
   • Curley's Wife
     • She dreams of being a movie star.
     • Her hopes were raised by a man who claimed he would take her to Hollywood, but when she didn't receive a letter from him, she married Curley.

2. Loneliness

   • George
     • George is not lonely during the novel because he has Lennie.
     • He will be lonely afterwards without Lennie.
   • Lennie
     • Lennie is the only character who is innocent enough not to fear loneliness.
     • Lennie gets angry when Crooks suggests George won't come back for him.
   • Curley's Wife
     • She is married to a man she doesn't love and who doesn't love her.
     • There are no other women on the ranch and she has nothing to do. She tries to befriend the men bt hanging round the bunk house.
   • Candy
     • When Candy's ancient, ill dog was shot Candy had no one left.
     • He delayed killing the dog, even though he knew deep down that it was the best thing to do, as he dreaded losing his long time companion.
   • Crooks
     • Crooks live in enforced solitude, away from the other men.
     • He is thrilled when Lennie and Candy come into his room and are his companions for a night.

3. The American Dream

   • Anyone can achieve personal success and happiness through hard work.
   • All characters dream of a better life
   • George and Lennie's dream is powerful because of their unexpected chance that it might actually come true.
   • The novel shows that the pursuit of happiness will not necessarily bring happiness itself.