Modern Themes in "Of Mice and Men"

Paper Summary:

The paper focuses on the theme in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" of the struggle for the American dream. The paper discusses how today, while some aim for daily survival, many others strive for fame and fortune as well. The paper also focuses on the themes of friendship and its absence as well as the separation of people in America due to gender and racial equality. The paper emphasizes how these themes do not lose their relevance in today's age; hunger, poverty, prejudice and the struggle to find happiness are all aspects of the deeper issues a society must always address.

From the Paper:

"Lennie's dream is to be able to have his rabbits. His world is frightening and uncertain, but the small creatures he adores bring him hopefulness. Lennie is a personification of the problem stated in Robert Burns's poem above. He does get glimpses of what he wants, to be with small animals such as the mice or the puppy, but each time he gains access to these creatures he kills them, ultimately destroying his own dreams. In the end it is this need for soft things to make his world a safer happier place that is his undoing, when he tries to find that comfort in touching Curley's wife only to destroy her and himself in the process."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Mazzeno, Laurence. (2007). Of Mice and Men. In AOL Literature Center. Retrieved April 18, 2007, from http://www.aolatschool.com/students/books/booknotes/_a/of-mice-and-men/
• Moller, Jon K. (n.a.) Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Retrieved April 18, 2007 from http://www.gmsys.net/teachers/english/novels/micemen/htm#themes
• Moore, Andrew. (2007). Studying Of Mice and Men. In Teaching Resource Guide. Retrieved April 18, 2007 from http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/prose/ofmiceandmen.htm#14
• Steinbeck, John. (1937). Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books USA Inc.

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