Dreams and the American Dream

• "Someday - we're gonna get the jack together and we're gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an' a cow." - George

  • Analysis: This quote encapsulates George and Lennie's shared aspiration for autonomy and stability. The specificity of a "little house," "a couple of acres," and "a cow" underscores their yearning for a tangible, modest dream. Steinbeck uses this to highlight the pervasive hope among itinerant workers during the Great Depression, even such dreams often remained unfulfilled
• "I seen hundred of men come by on the road an' on the ranches, [...] every damn one of 'em's got a little piece of land in his head. An' never a God damn one of 'em ever gets it." - Crooks

  • Analysis: Crooks' cynicism reflects the harsh reality that the American Dream was largely unattainable for many, especially marginalised individuals. His observation serves as a sobering counterpoint to George and Lennie's optimism, emphasising the systemic barriers that prevent the realisation of such dreams