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Introduction
William Shakespeare once said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” This quote encapsulates the central theme of John Steinbeck’s novella, “Of Mice and Men,” which delves into the pursuit of the American Dream amidst the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Through the use of symbolism and characterization, Steinbeck explores the futile nature of chasing dreams and the inevitable disillusionment that follows.
Symbolism of Light and Hope
Upon George and Lennie’s arrival at the ranch, Steinbeck employs vivid imagery to symbolize hope through light. The description of the “bright dust laden bar” and the appearance of shooting stars initially convey a sense of optimism and promise. However, upon closer examination, these symbols of hope are revealed to be false, mirroring the illusory nature of the American Dream. The shooting stars, which turn out to be flies, serve as a metaphor for the fleeting and deceptive nature of hope, foreshadowing the eventual failure of George and Lennie’s aspirations.
Receding Light and Declining Hope
As the narrative progresses, Steinbeck employs the symbolism of receding light to signify the diminishing hope of realizing the American Dream. This symbolism is particularly evident in the scene where Lennie is alone in the barn shortly before committing a grave mistake. The description of the “afternoon sun sliced in through the cracks of the barn walls” illustrates the waning hope and the impending tragedy that will shatter George and Lennie’s dreams. The receding light parallels the breakdown of hope and the inevitability of their dream’s demise, highlighting the futility of their pursuit.
Crooks: Representation of Discrimination and Hopelessness
Through the character of Crooks, Steinbeck explores the theme of discrimination and its impact on the pursuit of the American Dream. Crooks, the stable buck, shares his experience of racial prejudice and discrimination, recounting how his own dreams were shattered by societal injustices. His backstory serves as a poignant commentary on the barriers faced by marginalized individuals in achieving their aspirations. Despite initially expressing interest in joining George and Lennie’s quest for land, Crooks ultimately rejects the notion of hope, fearing further disappointment and discrimination. His denial of hope reflects the pervasive sense of hopelessness and despair that pervades the novel, underscoring the harsh reality of the American Dream’s unattainability for many.
Conclusion
In “Of Mice and Men,” John Steinbeck employs symbolism and characterization to provide a poignant commentary on the pursuit of the American Dream. Through the symbolism of light and hope, Steinbeck illuminates the transient and deceptive nature of aspirations, while the character of Crooks serves as a stark reminder of the barriers faced by marginalized individuals. Ultimately, Steinbeck’s exploration of these themes highlights the futility of chasing dreams in the face of insurmountable obstacles and societal injustices. As contemporary readers, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of Steinbeck’s message and the importance of managing expectations to avoid inevitable heartache in the pursuit of our own dreams.
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