OMM AMERICAN DREAM/DREAMS

Question 1

IMPORTANCE

Answer 1

Drives the Characters’ Hopes:
George and Lennie’s dream of owning land represents their hope for freedom, stability, and self-reliance.

It gives them purpose in a harsh world: “We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.”

Highlights Social Injustice:
Steinbeck shows how the dream is unattainable for most, especially the poor, disabled, women, and Black people.

Crooks, Curley’s wife, and Candy all reveal how society crushes individual dreams.

Reveals Harsh Reality:
The novel ends with the dream dying, showing how the American Dream is a myth for many during the Great Depression.

Lennie’s death symbolises the collapse of innocence and hope.

Creates Tragedy and Irony:
The tragedy lies in the fact that the dream keeps them going, even though the audience knows it will never happen.
This dramatic irony deepens the emotional impact.

Question 2

American dream and how its presented

Answer 2

👬 George and Lennie
Dream: To own a piece of land, be self-sufficient, and live freely.
Representation: A symbol of hope, stability, and escape from hardship.
Quote: “We’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres.”
Quote: “We’ll live on the fatta the lan’.” – idealistic and repeated for comfort.
Reality: The dream dies with Lennie’s death – it was never truly attainable.

🧓 Candy
Dream: Hopes to join George and Lennie to avoid being useless.
Representation: A desire for security and dignity in old age.
Quote: “S’pose I went in with you guys. That’s three hundred I got.”
Quote: “You seen what they done to my dog tonight?” – fears the same fate if the dream fails.
Reality: Clings to the dream but loses hope after Lennie dies.
🧑🏿 Crooks
Dream: Momentarily dares to hope for equality and companionship.
Representation: A longing to escape isolation and racism.
Quote: “A guy needs somebody – to be near him.”
Quote: “If you guys would want a hand to work for nothing…”
Reality: Quickly shuts down his hope: “I didn’t mean it. Jus’ foolin’.”
👩 Curley’s Wife
Dream: Wanted to be a movie star and live a glamorous life.
Representation: Crushed dreams and gender limitations.
Quote: “I coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes.”
Quote: “I never got that letter.” – symbol of lost opportunity and deception.
Reality: Trapped in a loveless marriage; her dream ends in tragedy.
⚰️ Overall Message
The American Dream is a myth for the poor, old, disabled, women, and minorities.
Steinbeck uses the death of dreams to criticise social inequality during the Great Depression.
Final line: “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?” – suggests the dream’s death goes unnoticed by society.

Question 3

techniques steinbeck uses

Answer 3

📜 1. Symbolism
The farm = the American Dream: independence, stability, and belonging.
Quote: “We’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres.”
Represents hope and a better future, but also illusion and false promise.
🔁 2. Repetition
The dream is repeated like a mantra, especially by Lennie.
Quote: “Tell about the rabbits, George.”
Shows how deeply the dream comforts them, even if it’s unrealistic.
💬 3. Foreshadowing
Hints that the dream will fail from the start.
Candy’s dog’s death and Curley’s constant threat set up the tragic end.
The dream is never secure, just like Lennie’s fate.🗣️ 4. Dialogue
Characters express their dreams through casual speech, making them feel real and personal.
Quote (Crooks): “If you… guys would want a hand to work for nothing…”
Shows that even the most isolated characters crave the dream.
💔 5. Irony
The American Dream is meant to be achievable—but in the novel, it’s never fulfilled.
Quote: “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?”
Tragic irony: the dream mattered so much to George and Lennie, but no one else notices its death.
🌎 6. Contextual Realism
Steinbeck uses historical context (Great Depression, itinerant workers) to show that the dream is out of reach for most.
Characters are based on real people Steinbeck encountered, adding realism to the failure of the dream.
🎭 7. Tragedy and Structure
The novel follows a circular structure (starts and ends at the river) to show how nothing really changes.
The dream begins and ends in the same hopeless world.