The American Dream and Companionship
The accomplishment of one’s dreams is often associated with struggles, and it is better when there is a companion to assist on the path. In his novella Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck tells the story of two displaced ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who nurture a dream of owning a piece of land. The author presents an evocative tale of friendship, dreams, and the harsh reality of life set in the backdrop of the Great Depression in the 1930s. In Of Mice and Men, the author demonstrates that it is almost impossible to realize one’s goals and achieve the American Dream without companionship, particularly during the challenging times of the Great Depression, as it is revealed through the characterization of George and Lennie.
Symbolism and Character Description
Steinbeck employs specific literary techniques, such as symbolism and character description, to underscore the theme of achieving the American Dream. Symbolism plays a significant role in Steinbeck’s portrayal of George and Lennie. The dream of owning a plot of land symbolizes hope and the American Dream – the belief in the freedom to achieve prosperity through hard work. According to Steinbeck, they need each other to keep the dream alive because George needs Lennie’s faith in the dream, while Lennie needs George’s guidance to comprehend and pursue it (24-29). This shared dream binds George and Lennie together, making their companionship an integral part of their relationship.
Furthermore, Steinbeck’s description of George’s and Lennie’s appearance also emphasizes their complementary relationship. George is “small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features,” and in contrast, Lennie is “a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders” (Steinbeck 2). George’s sharp features symbolize his intelligence and savvy – necessary qualities for formulating and maintaining the dream. On the other hand, Lennie’s imposing physical strength represents the raw labor required to bring their dream to life. Their contrasting appearances highlight the necessity of their partnership in achieving their shared goal.
Imagery, Metaphors, and the Necessity of Friendship
Other methods of characterization used by Steinbeck include imagery and the use of repeated or extended metaphors. Imagery enhances the characters of George and Lennie, highlighting the significance of their relationship in helping them fulfill their dream. Steinbeck often juxtaposes images of the natural world with the harsh realities of the human world, emphasizing the stark contrast between their dream and their current situation. For instance, the peaceful imagery of the “green pool” and the “golden foothill slopes” where George and Lennie camp contrasts sharply with the harsh, bleak environment of the ranch (Steinbeck 4-5). This contrast highlights the significance of their companionship as a source of solace and hope in the face of the harsh realities they encounter.
Steinbeck also uses metaphors to emphasize the impossibility of achieving dreams without the assistance of friends. The repeated metaphor of “rabbits” in the book encapsulates Lennie’s hopes and dreams, and by extension, their shared vision. Their constant reference to “livin’ off the fatta the lan’” and “tendin’ rabbits” serves as a metaphor for their dream of self-sufficiency and peace (Steinbeck 13-15). However, the metaphor also extends to reflect the fragility and elusiveness of their dream, underscoring the necessity of companionship to keep the dream alive. Overall, through the characterization of George and Lennie, Steinbeck poignantly conveys the message that the fulfillment of dreams is unbearable without the support of a companion, specifically during demanding times like the Great Depression.
Work Cited
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Wildside Press LLC, 2021.