Of Mice and Men Expository Essay

John Steinback’s Of Mice and Men is a book that describes the chase of the American Dream. Although achieving the American Dream is a great desire for all, seldom does it actually come true. George and Lennie, the two main characters in the book, have a goal of pursuing their version of the American Dream, as do many other characters. However, due to relationships and other conflicts, that dream is not achieved. Almost immediately, Steinback poses the question of whether or not companionship leads to failure of the American Dream. For example, George says, “’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’ …show more content…

Although in this novel, Steinback makes it so the dream is never achieved, he also makes it so that there is only a chance of achieving it through companionship. When isolated there is no hope for their dream to come true.

One of the characters in Of Mice and Men is in between isolation and companionship. This character is Slim. Slim is isolated in the beginning of the book just like the other ranchers. His isolation is demonstrated when Steinback says, “Slim moved back slightly so the light was not on his face.” (39). Light is a motif that represents companionship. When Slim moves out of the light it represents him not having or perhaps not wanting a companion; therefore, he is isolated. However, as the book progresses, we see Slim become more social and companionable. By the very end of the book, we see that Slim may become George’s new companion. This is demonstrated in the quote that says, “Slim twitched George’s elbow. ‘Come on, George. Me an’ you’ll go in an’ get a drink.’” (107). This excerpt shows Slim taking care of and comforting George, which is what friends are for. When he says “Me an’ you” he’s pairing them together in a way that shows their friendship and how it has developed. Never before in the book is Slim paired with another character this way. Although Slim doesn’t have a dream that is spoken of in the book, we can see that he is happier with a companion, and