Dreams Flashcards
How does Steinbeck use the historical context of the Great depression of mice and men to critique the American dream?
Steinbeck highlight how systemic inequality is during the great depression-marked by economic collapse, widespread unemployment and poverty- the American dream unattainable for marginalised groups, such as there is excluded by race, gender, class or disability
What does George and Lenny dream of owning a ranch symbolise?
Their dream symbolises self sufficiency, stability and companionship amidst the dehumanising life of itinerant labourers. It represents hope and a sense of purpose/ agency, offering them an escape from their societal position. The dream also highlights the inaccessibility of the American Dream for marginalized individuals like them.
What is a quote that reflects George and Lennies dream?
“ We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us” - This reflects the emotional significance of their shared dream, which provides them with purpose and companionship. This is further highlighted by the use of the pronouns we and they to highlight their difference from the majority.
What does Lenny’s repeated request “ Tell me about the rabbits” Reveal about his character
Lenny’s childlike enthusiasm for the dream illustrates his innocence and emotional reliance on the vision of a better future . This fixation also highlights his limited understanding of the complexity and unattainability of their dream.
In what way does Steinbeck portray the fragility of dreams in the context of the great depression?
Steinbeck portrays the fragility of dreams during the Great Depression by showing how difficult it is for marginalized individuals like George, Lennie, and others to achieve their aspirations. The novel reveals how poverty, social inequality, and harsh realities make dreams unattainable for most people. As characters get closer to their goals, external forces or personal flaws often shatter their hopes. This reflects the broader uncertainty and despair of the era, where even the smallest dreams were often crushed by economic hardship and societal limitations.
How do crooks and Curly’s wife used dreams as a form of escape?
Both characters dream of the best of life as a coping mechanism to handle their marginalisation in society.- crooks’ dream of equality and curleys wife’s dream of attention and independence.
How does crooks express the impact of loneliness and his yearning for connection?
“A guy goes nuts that he ain’t got nobody.” - this shows how his dream of connection and equality is thwarted by racism highlighting his isolation.
What is Curley’s wife’s dream of becoming a movie star reveal about her character?
“I could’ve made something of myself” - her dream reflects her desire for agency, recognition and to escape her current role as an object of Crurley’s control. It underscores her limited opportunities due to sexism.
How does Lenny’s death symbolise the collapse of the dream?
Death marks the final destruction of his shared dream, representing the overwhelming personal and society limitations that prevent them from achieving it
What is the significance of statement about heaven?
“Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land” - this reflects Candy is disillusionment and belief that the American dream is unattainable, especially for the marginalised of society (poor, disabled and aging)
How does candies reaction to the collapse of George and Lenny’s dream reflect broader themes in the novella?
Candy’s bitter statement “ nobody never gets to heaven and nobody gets no land,” captures the despair of realising the impossibility of achieving dreams, a sentiment that mirrors the hopelessness of the impoverish during the great depression.
How does Steinbeck illustrate the duality of dreams of mice and men?
Dreams affirm the characters dignity by providing hope and purpose, but their unattainability leads to profound misery and disillusionment, exposing the unbreachable gap between aspiration and reality.
What is the role of systemic oppression in the failure of dreams for characters like crooks and Curly’s wife?
Racism and sexism in the 1930s prevent crooks from achieving belonging inequality, while Curley’s wife is confined by gender norms that stifle her independence and potential.
How does Lenny’s death symbolise the collapse of George and Lenny share dream?
Lenny’s death marks the ultimate failure of their vision, reinforcing the Nevelle’s theme that systemic and personal limitations render dreams unattainable for the marginalised.
What does Steinbach critique through the characters experiences with dreams?
Steinbeck critique the American dream as an illusion, highlighting how economic inequality and prejudice perpetuate cycle of frustration and hopelessness.
How does Steinbeck use to reflect broader societal inequalities?
By showing characters like George, Lenny, and Curley’s wife are unable to achieve their dreams, Steinbeck critiques entrenched racial, gender and class based barriers of the time.
What does candies initial hope in George and Lenny’s plan reveal about the human condition?
Can optimism reflects the universal need for and purpose, even in the face of overwhelming systemic barriers. His eventual cynicism underscores the despair of unfilled dreams.
Why does Steinbach portray dreams as a double edge sword?
Dreams momentarily uplift individuals by providing solace and purpose but the eventual failure of magnifies the harness of their realities, deepening the characters misery
