What is the theme in “of mice and men\ by john steinbeck?
Similar to Steinbeck’s The Pearl, Of Mice and Men attempts to explain the nature of being human and one’s struggles to identify a place in the universe. In doing so Steinbeck touches on several themes: dreams, loneliness, how man’s prosperity achieves cruelty, powerlessness, and uncertainty of the future — or fate. Steinbeck emphasizes dreams throughout the book. George aspires for independence, to be his own boss, to have a homestead, and most importantly to be “somebody”. Lennie aspires to be with George on his independent homestead, and to quench his fixation on soft objects. Candy aspires to reassert his responsibility lost with the death of his dog, and for security for his old age — on George’s homestead. Crooks aspires to a small homestead where he can express self-respect, acceptance, and security. Curley’s wife dreams to be an actress, to satisfy her desire for fame lost when she married Curley. Loneliness is a significant factor in several characters’ lives. Candy is lonely a
