Essential question #2, Importance of dreams

Sophia Abi-Saad

Mr. Beattie

Honors English 1

19 September 12

Important dreams

Dreams are important to have in life because they are motivating, they give people something for look forward to, and help cope with loneliness. In the novella, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, the main characters, George and Lennie, have the same dream to own a small ranch with all kinds of animals, which motivates them to strive for their dreams. For instance, when Candy hears about Lennie and George’s plan to have a cottage Candy says, “Tha’s three hundred, and I got fifty more comin’ in a month” (Steinbeck 59). This proves how much Candy is devoted and motivated by this new idea in his life, and how he wants to be apart of it. Also this proves that it can become a reality if Candy joins because his money will reach the goal of buying the land, thus having something to look forward to. For example, when Lennie recently came back from being with Slim’s pups he asks George, “How long’s it gonna be till we get that little place an’ live of the fatta the lan’-an’ rabbits?” (Steinbeck 56). This exemplifies the fact that Lennie is constantly looking forward to having a small house with rabbits that he could pet. Also this shows that not only is this just Lennie’s dream its George’s dream as well, which means they both get to look forward to their dreams together and work for their dreams together. Since they both have to work for a common goal it makes them feel needed and wanted for something important. For example, when George and Lennie were talking about their dreams and life, George says, “ Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family, and don’t belong” (Steinbeck 13).  This shows how people like them, (ranch workers) who don’t have dreams to aim for are very lonely, and don’t feel like they belong. This proves that these dreams for Lennie and George give them both a sense of belonging and a purpose in life.  Overall in order for humans to feel they lived a fulfilling life they will need to set goals to, have a motivation, something to look forward too and to help cope with loneliness.