Comparing Dreams In The Great Gatsby And Of Mice And Men

In 1931, the term “American Dream” was made popular by James Truslow Adams in his novel Epic of America in which the quote read: “But there has also been the American dream, that dream of a land in which life would be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.” In both The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men the attainment of the characters ' own "American Dreams" are portrayed. Jay Gatsby was the epitome of success; coming up from nothing to having anything he wanted and more. Lennie just wanted to tend the rabbits and live off the “fat of the land” with his best friend George. Two completely different forms of dreams, this goes without question, but one fact still remains: everyone has a dream. The key to whether they achieve it is a matter of work put into it, the faith a person keeps, and, regretfully, fortune. Set on Long Island 's North Shore in the summer of 1922, The Great Gatsby shows how life was during the era
However, given the circumstances they are dealt, the chances of them achieving this are slim to none. George and Lennie are bindlestiffs who have a hard time keeping a job for long, from mishaps on account of Lennie. Lennie is dependent on George. He is a gentle giant of sorts, who had mental instabilities. He has the mind of a young child; innocent, naïve, and unaware of the hardships of the world. Despite all of the evidence that proves they will not get their ranch and rabbits, he believes that one day they will. Of Mice and Men suggests that dreams are necessary to live life to the fullest. George and Lennie never achieve their dream, but this dream is what holds their remarkable friendship together. Their dream is real because, while it is not substance it is real in their imagination. “I remember about the rabbits, George.” (Steinbeck