The American Dream Flashcards
(6 cards)
George
“We’re gonna have a little house and a couple acres an’ a cow and some pigs and-“
“We’re gonna have a little house and a couple acres an’ a cow and some pigs and-“
-Imagery:
Detailed description of the dream farm paints an idealistic version of stability and peace.
-Repetition:
The way the dream is said throughout the novel reinforces how central it is in George and Lennie’s lifes.
-Syntax:
Build up of details mimicking the excitement and hope George felt in the moment.
*Great depression-> owning land was the ultimate goal as it symbolizes success and freedom. Especially for itinerant workers. (Travel from place to place”
Candy
“S’ pose I went with you guys.That’s three hundred and fifty bucks I’d put in.”
“S’ pose I went with you guys.That’s three hundred and fifty bucks I’d put in.”
-Dialogue:
The way Candys sudden proposal is emotionally charged shows a glimmer of hope which the dream gives him.
-Tone:
There’s an urgency and eagerness in his voice which captures how much he needs the dream to escape loneliness, aswell as the fear of being useless.
-Symbolism:
Candy’s money becomes a symbol of the last chance of achieving the dream.
*1930s: Older workers like Candy were often discarded-> the dream represents hope for a future where he can be valued again.
Curleys wife:
“I coulda made somethin’ of myself… I coulda been in the movies.”
“I coulda made somethin’ of myself… I coulda been in the movies.”
-Overall monologue:
Reflects vulnerability and unmet aspirations which gives depth to her character.
-Tone:
Regret and frustration-> dwelling on what she could’ve been.
-Irony:
Convinced that she’s destined for fame-> her reality is in isolation and disrespect. This highlights the cruelness between dream and reality.
*1930s (rural America): Dreams of fame and independence were often dismissed for women.
^- Her “American dream” is unreachable due to gender and societal limitations. This represents a more glamorous side of the American dream.
