Barriers to the American Dream in “Of Mice and Men”

John Steinbeck’s novella "Of Mice and Men" is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by individuals in their pursuit of the American Dream during the Great Depression. The narrative centers on two drifters, George Milton and Lennie Small, who share a common goal of owning a piece of land and living independently. However, Steinbeck illustrates that various societal barriers, such as gender and race, can impede this pursuit. This essay examines how these barriers are depicted in the novel, arguing that while gender presents significant challenges, race is portrayed as the predominant barrier to achieving the American Dream.

Gender as a Barrier

One of the primary examples of gender-based limitations in the novel is the character of Curley’s Wife. She is the only significant female character and remains unnamed, symbolizing her lack of identity and autonomy. Curley’s Wife expresses her unfulfilled dreams of becoming a movie star, lamenting how these aspirations were thwarted by a lack of agency and male dominance. She recounts an encounter with a man who promised to make her a star, but she never received the letter he promised to send. This broken promise highlights how women's dreams were often dismissed or manipulated by men, reflecting the societal constraints on women's roles and opportunities during that era.

Curley’s Wife marries Curley out of desperation, revealing her limited options. She candidly admits, “I don’t like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella” (Steinbeck 89). Her marriage becomes a symbol of her entrapment and the sacrifices women made to attain security, even at the cost of personal happiness. Her loneliness drives her to seek attention from the ranch workers, yet her interactions are often misconstrued, leading to further isolation and misunderstanding. This portrayal underscores the notion that gender, while a significant barrier, is compounded by the interpersonal dynamics and societal expectations of women during the time.

Race as the Predominant Barrier

While gender is a notable barrier, Steinbeck’s portrayal of race in "Of Mice and Men" suggests it is an even more significant obstacle to achieving the American Dream. The character of Crooks, the African American stable hand, epitomizes this racial barrier. Crooks is isolated from the other workers solely because of his race, indicating the pervasive racial discrimination of the period. He lives separately from the others, in a small room attached to the barn, highlighting his enforced segregation and social exclusion.

Crooks’ sense of isolation is palpable when he remarks, “They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black” (Steinbeck 68). This exclusion from simple leisure activities underscores the racial divide that extends beyond physical labor to social interactions, further alienating him from the communal experiences that form part of the American Dream. The racial hierarchy is further emphasized when Curley’s Wife threatens Crooks, saying, “I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny” (Steinbeck 81). Despite her own marginalized status as a woman, she wields power over Crooks, illustrating the systemic racism that places him at the bottom of the social ladder.

Crooks’ Loneliness and Exclusion from Society

Crooks’ experience is a stark reminder of the intersectionality of race and isolation. His loneliness is not just a product of his physical environment but also a reflection of the societal norms that dehumanize and devalue individuals based on their race. His dream of owning a small piece of land, similar to George and Lennie’s, is overshadowed by his awareness of the racial barriers he faces. Even the dream of companionship, a fundamental aspect of the American Dream, is denied to Crooks because of his skin color.

Steinbeck uses Crooks’ character to highlight how race is an insurmountable barrier that affects all aspects of life, from economic opportunities to social interactions. The American Dream, which promises equality and prosperity, is exposed as an elusive myth for those marginalized by race. Crooks’ plight serves as a critique of the racial inequalities that persist in society, challenging the validity of the American Dream for all individuals.

Conclusion

In "Of Mice and Men," Steinbeck effectively illustrates the barriers to the American Dream through the lenses of gender and race. While Curley’s Wife’s experiences demonstrate the limitations imposed by gender, it is Crooks’ story that reveals the more profound and pervasive impact of racial discrimination. Steinbeck’s portrayal of these characters serves as a critique of the societal structures that hinder individuals from achieving their dreams. Ultimately, the novel suggests that the American Dream is not equally accessible to all, with race emerging as the most significant barrier in this pursuit. Through this exploration, Steinbeck invites readers to reflect on the enduring inequalities that continue to shape the quest for the American Dream in contemporary society.

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