Of Mice and Men

• Isolation is a major subject that affects many characters in the novel: George and Lennie: Despite their friendship, George and Lennie are cut off from the rest of society due to Lennie's mental disadvantage and the temporary nature of their jobs. George frequently feels overwhelmed by the obligation of caring for Lennie, isolating him emotionally from his coworkers.
• Crooks, an African American stable worker, is isolated because to his colour. He lives apart from the other workers and feels tremendous loneliness and exclusion, as he conveys poignantly in his chats with Lennie.  “Guys like us … the loneliness guys in the world”. 

  “A young man goes nuts if it ain’t got nobody” crooks
• American Dream symbolising hope and the desire for a better life:

  George and Lennie's Dream: George and Lennie aspire to possess a plot of land where they can live independently and with dignity. The statement that reflects this is "We could live off the fatta of the land" "This dream represents their aspiration for security, independence, and a sense of belonging. 
• . However, the harsh reality of their life make this ambition appear increasingly unrealistic. Candy's Aspiration: Candy is drawn to George and Lennie's goal and offers his life money to join them. Candy sees the dream as an escape from the threat of retirement and an opportunity to restore his sense of worth.  
• Curley's Wife's Dream: Curley's wife aspires to be a movie star, representing her desire to break free from the limitations of her existence and achieve recognition and independence. Her unfulfilled aspirations emphasise the theme of demolished dreams and the harshness of reality.