In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck shows the American dream as an unattainable goal for the characters. Of Mice and Men is a novel based on two childhood friends, Lennie and George, who travel together in search of work. Lennie, the gentle giant, suffers from a mental disability and is obsessed with soft objects. One day, while stroking a young girl's hair, Lennie accidentally kills her. And finally, at the end of the novel, George is forced to shoot Lennie. Steinbeck shows the American dream as an unattainable goal due to a character's position in society, their unreal dreams, and their dependence on other characters. The American dream is unattainable due to the different levels created in society leading to discrimination. First, Curley's wife experiences sexual discrimination that prevents her from living her American dream. After her marriage to Curley, her dream is shattered into pieces. We learn how horrible her life is when she admits that she "(doesn't like) Curley" (100) because he "isn't a nice guy" (100). And Curley being overprotective of her, he wants her to “talk to no one but (him)” (98) otherwise “he gets angry” (98). But feeling “terribly alone” (98), she tries to start a conversation with the people in the dormitory. And in return, all she gets is being called a “tart” (31) or a “tramp” (35). So if Curley forbids his wife from talking to anyone, there is no way he will let her pursue her dream. Therefore, due to all the discrimination Curley's wife suffers from, she is unable to achieve her American dream. Second, Crooks experiences racial discrimination. Crooks' American dream must be treated equally by everyone. But he "is not wanted in the dormitory" (77) because ...... middle of paper ...... make with them that together they could "get a big stake" (63) in order to buy “a small accommodation and live on the fatta la terre” (63). Candy says he “cooked and took care of the chickens and hoeed the garden a little” (67). However, after Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, Candy, in "her greatest fear" (107), asks George if they could still "get that little place" (107). But he knew it wasn't, and that's when his American dream ended. Therefore, if Candy had been by his side to pursue his American dream without depending on George and Lennie, he would have succeeded. In the end, even after working so hard, none of the characters were able to achieve their American dream. In conclusion, Steinbeck shows the American dream as an unattainable goal due to a character's position in society, their unreal dreams, and their dependence on other characters..