by Nick Maziarka

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2009

Comparison of Ideal Dreams in Steinbeck Novels

Ideal dreams, despite their greatness, never quite reach fruition. The main characters in John Steinbeck's novels Of Mice and Men and The Pearl discover this sad truth for themselves. In each story, the central characters create goals that seem impossible to achieve or fulfill. Eventually, as the stories progress, they realize that the pursuit of their dreams only results in disappointment and disaster. Unfortunately, at the end of both novels, the characters learn that they must let go of their great dreams. Although Steinbeck's characters desperately pursue their ideal dreams, they learn, after facing much hardship and heartbreak, that their dreams will never come true.

In Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Lennie Small pursue their ideal dream of purchasing a small ranch together. Both men feel that they could live in happiness for the rest of their lives on this ranch. While discussing the ranch, George says, "We'd jus' live there. We'd belong there"(Steinbeck 57). This short statement shows that George believes the ranch to be a perfect place for him and all of his needs. It would actually be a place where he belonged. Lennie, on the other hand, merely wants to tend to the rabbits he would own on the ranch. Despite the simplicity of Lennie's desires, they seem to be the only things that drive Lennie's life. The rabbits keep Lennie in a constant state of joy. On this unknown ranch, Lennie and George would certainly be able to lead their perfect and ideal lives.

Just as George and Lennie do, Kino and Juana from The Pearl create ideal dreams of their own. All of their dreams involve the couple's escape from poverty and escape from a lack of resources. Their greatest hope though, involves their son's education. Kino and Juana believe that, if Coyotito, their son, gains the opportunity to learn, he will not only create a better life for himself, but he will also give honor to the entire family. In addition to Coyotito's schooling, the couple hopes to finally get married. Juana and Kino, who have a marriage-like bond, would absolutely love to officially marry each other and live together in happiness for the rest of their lives. Poverty formerly prevented this union from being possible. Now, however, they can freely pursue their dreams and hope that the pearl will allow them to come true.

Although George and Lennie have nothing but good intentions during the pursuit of their dreams, the pursuit

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