Once again John Steinbeck publishes another novel in 1937 that will bring him more fame and attention. Of Mice and Men is a short novel about two traveling workers, who move from town to town and job to job hoping to someday have a place of their own. John Steinbeck's two main characters show the pain of human loneliness and dream of being wealthy, independent, popular and owning their own land. Not like most books that show joy and happiness, Of Mice and Men rings true and clear and does not have a typical ending.
             The novel begins when George and Lennie start to discuss their plans on their way to a job at a California Ranch. George is small and quick and does all the thinking and talking for the pair. His dream is to have a place of his own and be his own boss. He doesn't want to work hard or make a lot of money, but just enough to be free to run his own life. Lennie is big and a slow thinker. He likes to pet soft things. These things range from the dead mouse George takes away from Lennie, to the soft dresses of young women. For Lennie, the dream is to have a piece of responsibility. Towards the end of the novel, Lennie does something that outrages everyone and can lead him into horrible trouble. This leads to the least expected ending, and gives the great novel its spark.
             After reading this novel, I've realized that "a dream" can be identified as one of the themes. The dream that George and Lennie both long for is to have a place of their own and be free to run their own lives. This thrilling novel can relate to anyone because we all have our ambitions that are almost never achieved. After reading this novel, Steinbeck's idea of a dream had a lasting impact on me. Throughout the book, the character's determination to achieve their dream is so strong, and you will feel as if you're in their shoes. The thematic conflict is man vs. himself because George and Lennie strive their hardest to obtain money, so their...