Of Mice and Men Essay

There are many different types of symbolism shown in the world today. Many people search for types of symbolism by learning the true meaning of a poem, or by just reading a novel. The men and women on the ranch symbolize the desperate need to achieve the American Dream. They are so desperate to get away from all of the classism and social inequalities of their time.   In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, the men on the ranch view symbolism in many different ways.

The boss and Slim symbolize respect in different ways. The boss is described as: “On his head was a soiled brown Stetson hat, and he wore high-heeled boots and spurs to prove he was not a laboring man” (pp. 20). The boss only demands respect through how much money he has, and how he appears. More deeply, the boss represents the upper class of society working to keep the lower class in their place. Furthermore, Slim is described as: “He held a crushed Stetson hat…Like the others he wore blue jeans and a short denim shirt…His authority was so great that his word was taken on by any…” (pp. 33). Slim demonstrates the kind of man or god-like figure that the men would love to be. More deeply, Slim wishes to be respected by his actions, not his money or position in society. Respect in the society is one of the many things that the people on the farm wish to receive from others.

            Lennie and George symbolize the questing for the American Dream, which illustrates an ideal proving to be essential to a quality life. Lennie states: “We could live offa the fatta the lan’ ” (pp. 57). This illustrates Lennie’s knowledge of the quest for the American Dream. In addition, it reveals that there is still a great amount of hope for the American Dream in Lennie’s deep hopeful eyes. Furthermore, George says to Crooks: “ It ain’t no lie. Were gonna do it. Gonna go get a little place an’ live offa the fatta the lan’ ” (pp. 69). George immediately sticks up for Lennie, and acknowledges that it is possible to live and...