The American Dream
In John Steinbeck's
Hayley Mitchell Haugen, Book Editor
GREENHAVEN PRESS
A part of Gale,
Cengage
Learning
f #GALE
a* CENGAGE Learning-
Detroit • New York • San Francisco • New Haven, Conn • Waterville, Maine • London
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Analyzing John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men': Understanding the American Dream, Slides of Celebrity
An in-depth exploration of John Steinbeck's novel 'Of Mice and Men' and its themes related to the American Dream. critical analyses by various scholars, discussing the characters' search for the promise of America, the illusory nature of the American Eden, and the conflicts between capitalism and the American Dream. It also covers contemporary perspectives on the American Dream and its relevance in today's society.
What you will learn
- How do the characters in 'Of Mice and Men' search for the promise of America?
- How does Steinbeck portray the American Dream in 'Of Mice and Men'?
- What are the conflicts between capitalism and the American Dream in the novel?
- What is the role of Curley's wife in the novel's exploration of the American Dream?
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Download Analyzing John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men': Understanding the American Dream and more Slides Celebrity in PDF only on Docsity!
The American Dream
In John Steinbeck's
Hayley Mitchell Haugen, Book Editor
GREENHAVEN PRESS A part of Gale, Cengage Learning
f #GALE a * CENGAGE Learning-
Detroit • New York • San Francisco • New Haven, Conn • Waterville, Maine • London
Contents
Introduction 11
Chronology 14
Chapter 1: Background on John Steinbeck
- John Steinbeck: The Man and His Work 19 Contemporary Literary Criticism Select Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck is consid- ered among the most significant American writers of the twentieth century. He received national attention in 1937 for his novel Of Mice and Men, which since its publica- tion has inspired a widely varied critical response.
- Steinbeck's Experience as a Ranch Hand 25 Informed Of Mice and Men Jay Parini Steinbeck biographers frequently point to Steinbeck's personal experience as, a ranch hand and a bindlestiff, or hobo, as being influential in his creation of Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck did not foresee, however, that this expe- rience and the resulting novella would propel him to a level of celebrity he would never fully embrace.
- The Social Environment in Of Mice and Men 34 Joyce Moss and George Wilson Events in history, as well as events happening at the time Steinbeck penned Of Mice and Men, help readers better understand the novel. Focusing on the hopes and hope- lessness in the lives of migrant workers, Steinbeck por- trays a class of people who struggled for survival in a harsh and even brutal environment.
Chapter 2: Of Mice and Men and the American Dream
- Characters in Of Mice and Men Search for the 39 Promise of America Kenneth D. Swan
- Steinbeck Explores the American Dream 71
Through Language, Action, and Symbols in Of Mice and Men Peter Lisca Steinbeck makes use of language, action, and symbol as recurring motifs in Of Mice and Men. These motifs occur on realistic, social, and allegorical levels, and they occur within a pattern that presents the characters' dreams of a better life without becoming trite or mechanical.
- Capitalism Thwarts the American Dream 80
in Of Mice and Men John L. Marsden George and Lennie's dreams of independence and land ownership conflict with capitalist practices in Of Mice and Men. While Lennie's physical strength makes him a commodity within the capitalist system, the fact that he cannot be controlled is a liability to those in authority.
- Curley's Wife in Of Mice and Men Struggles 89
Toward Her Own American Dream Charlotte Cook Hadella Although Steinbeck more fully developed the character of Curley's wife for the play version of Of Mice and Men, she remains a misunderstood character. As suggested by her own struggles to attain the American dream, she is more than just an Eve figure responsible for the downfall of George and Lennie's Eden.
- Curley's Wife Is Alienated from the American 96
Dream in Of Mice and Men Lesley Broder Curley's wife is one of the loneliest characters in Of Mice and Men. With no one to listen to her dreams of becom- ing a Hollywood starlet, she resorts to using her sexual- ity to get attention.
10. Homelessness Creates Loneliness in Of Mice 100
and Men
Winifred Dusenbury Frazer
In Of Mice and Men, characters aspire to the American dream of home ownership. When they are unable to at- tain this goal, they are left with a tragic feeling of loneli- ness and longing for companionship.
Chapter 3: Contemporary Perspectives
on the American Dream
1. Reconsidering the American Dream 110
David Kamp
Americans need to rethink what the American dream has come to mean. The traditional vision of the American dream was not about making it rich, attaining extreme success, or opening lines of credit to live beyond one's means. It was about the possibility of better, happier lives for all.
- The Dangerous Side of the American Dream 122
Peter C. Whybrow
Attaining the American dream has become an addictive goal for many Americans. By overspending and living be- yond their means, Americans have embraced immediate material rewards and have lost sight of prudence and re- sponsibility.
- The American Dream Is Becoming Harder 131
to Achieve for Immigrants
Judy Keen Hardworking immigrant business owners are especially vulnerable during the current economic depression. Un- like large corporations receiving "bail out" money from the American government, these small businesses are having a tough time keeping the American dream alive.