Of Mice and Men Themes Analysis Essay

You are where you are from. A popular statement that confines a person to be no more than the society around them. It does not matter whether someone is strong or shy, loud or quiet, outgoing or introverted, the reality is everyone is influenced by their surroundings. Upbringings are an important factor that significantly impact contributions to the world. Without stable social connections, people are destined into a trap of loneliness. Society is a highlighted aspect of John Steinbeck’s masterful work Of Mice and Men. Set in the quiet town of Soledad, California, main characters George and Lennie are on the move for a new ranch job. The story follows the two boys’ connections and their experience at the farm. Throughout the novel, numerous literary devices are used to support the story’s three key messages to the audience. John Steinbeck in Of Mice and Men utilizes the themes: the importance of companionship, the American Dream’s unattainablity, and the effects of an individual’s limitation, to display the ruthlessness of society.

The first theme that is developed throughout the entirety of the novel, is the importance of companionship. George and Lennie are the prime character examples of this theme. From a friendship that began on a bitter note, to a relationship where they now both depend on each other, the literal and figurative journey of George and Lennie illustrate “vital” companionship. Chapter three in the novel is the first instance where readers get background information on how the pair evolved. “It ain't so funny, him and' me goin' aroun' together," George said at last. "Him and me was both born in Auburn. I knowed his Aunt Clara. She took him when he was a baby and raised him up. When his Aunt Clara died, Lennie just came along with me out workin'. Got kinda used to each other after a little while” (Steinbeck 40). From this excerpt, the audience listens to George as he discusses his youth. Although the friends bonded over the components of death and work, their companionship was not immediately formed. With Lennie’s mental dissability, George targeted him in hazing rituals. The most notable example of George’s descrimination towards Lennie is when Steinbeck depicts the tale of the river. Years prior, George urged and ultimately forced Lennie to jump in the river fully aware that Lennie was incapable of swimming. George suffered deep remorse after witnessing Lennie’s near drowning, and it is inferred from that point on that George accepted his buddy as one of his own. “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don't belong no place. They come to a ranch an' work up a stake and then they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they're poundin' their tail on some other ranch. They ain't got nothing to look ahead to” (Steinbeck 13). George sets the stage of Soledad/the ranch by describing the type of men that are employed. The typical working man is the definition of a drifter. George and Lennie, unlike the others, are driven to have a purpose. The brother-like duo become better people each day, and live with their productive wishes at the front of their minds. Despite the rest of society being very autonomous, George and Lennie form a revered friendship where they protect one another from the dangers of the world. 

The second theme that is prevalent are the ways that the American Dream is unachievable. The “American Dream” is a renowned aspiration known across the globe. For many, the American Dream is a cookie-cutter type scenario; a stable job, three bedroom home, several kids, and an attractive spouse. Every character in Of Mice and Men lives with goals that provide ambition, but Lennie, George, and their ranch friend Candy’s dream, is the most commonly featured. Their version of the American Dream includes a ranch of their very own. George, Lennie, and Candy desire to live off “the fat of the land” and be secluded from the rest of town. Readers learn that this dream was originally brainstormed by George and Lennie, but Candy joined the cause due to his generous savings. Without Candy’s funds, there was zero chance that the dream would transform into reality. While the three were thrilled to be inching closer to their platonic life, another worker named Crooks warns the men about being too optimistic. "I seen hunderds of men come by on the road an' on the ranches, with their bindles on their back an' that same damn thing in their heads. Hunderds of them. They come, an' they quit an' go on; an' 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” (Steinbeck 74). As Crooks discusses, dreams are never destined to cultivate. In his experience as a ranch worker, he has encountered thousands of men who all have the same vision in mind. Steinbeck employs quotes from Crooks to point out one of the most fatal flaws in the American Dream, its uniformity. By using this idealization and awe of a better life, people are able to continue with their mundane daily activities. Steinbeck does not believe in the American Dream’s success, but acknowledges the idea as a temporary relief to the meaningless cycle in which characters are trapped. 

To follow up with the topic of entrapment, the final theme that is evolved is limitation and how humanity adapt to their individual marginalization. An excellent case of limitation within the novel is through the only woman character, Kim. Kim is the wife of a dismissive and emotionally abusive husband. Her limitation did not begin when she entered her marriage, however, it was when she set foot into the world. On several occasions, Steinbeck’s audience is given detailed examples of Kim’s limitation. First, is the relationship that she desires. It is evident that her past boyfriends consist of less than adequate men. Kim is an attractive woman, and all she wants is for a man to protect her, love her, and respect her. Her husband became uninterested shortly after their wedding and since then, Kim has longed for attention. “I get lonely," she said. "You can talk to people, but I can't talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad. How'd you like not to talk to anybody?” (Steinbeck 87). From chapter five, Kim’s and Lennie’s conversation regards her searching for interaction. Her social limitation leads her to a point of feeling useless, and it pains readers to witness the slow death of her happiness. The second area of confinement is the predisposition of the 1930s. In a heavy patriarchal society, the crudeness of men is the biggest cross Kim has to bear. Nasty rumors are spread and they guide people’s opinion on her character. She does not do anything to deserve the unfair treatment, but she cannot escape the gossip. Kim is aware that the ranch situation will not change and instead focuses her wishes on her moviestar fantasy. "Well, I ain't told this to nobody before. Maybe I ought'n to. I don'like Curley…. Coulda been in the movies, an' had nice clothes-all them nice clothes like they wear. An' I coulda sat in them big hotels, an' had pitchers took of me” (Steinbeck 89). Due to the limitation of her marriage, Kim is not allowed to chase after her stardom. With her husband chaining her to the ranch, it serves as a general symbol; women were separated from all potential and viewed as solely possessions to their spouse.  

John Steinbeck did the American people a favor by writing this novel. Of Mice and Men encapsulates the flaws of society, and publishes them in the form of morals. Characters are developed throughout the story to help the audience's understanding of the story's three main meanings. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck uses the themes of the gift of companionship, the unattainable American Dream, and the implications of one's limitations, to demonstrate society's brutality. Written in a time of great depression, the stories' components give the next generation the opportunity to unpack its themes. The novel remains a timeless and crucial example of 20th century American Literature.