Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men Steinbeck incorporates the theme of the American Dream, an expression used to represent desired success, throughout his story Of Mice and Men while providing glimpses into the dreams of many personages . Towards the end of the novel, the fact is that each of the characters' "American Dream" is just that, an unattainable dream. In short, Steinbeck portrays his stance towards unrealistic desires for pristine happiness through the dreams of Candy, Curley's wife, and Crooks in Of Mice and Men. First, Candy dreams of giving him a piece of George and Lennie's land on their farm. . This small piece of land means a lot to Candy, as shown in chapter 3, Candy is talking to George and says: “…you will let me dig in the garden even if I am no longer good at it. And I'll do the dishes and stuff…they'll let me work in our house” (p. 60). From this, it is suggested that all Candy wants is a small piece of land where he can go when he is considered old and useless by others. It's his ticket to feeling useful and not living on the streets once he can't do his job as a spreader. Although the plan seemed superb, it ultimately proved flawed. Candy could probably have earned the rest of the money as she promised, but since Lennie killed Curley's wife in chapter 5, they could never have carried out the impractical plan. The decision of…half of the document…NY” (p. 81). This racial hatred reminded Crooks that wherever he went; everyone would judge him based on the color of his skin. In short, being born African American prevents Crooks from thinking that his dream of owning land would ever come true. In conclusion, Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a novel in which all "American dreams" are shattered. This in turn shows Steinbeck's thoughts on how unattainable the “American Dream” actually is. The unrealistic nature of “American Dreams” is further supported by the fate of the 3 characters, Candy, Curley's wife and Crooks. All in all, the fact that circumstances, regretful actions and unethical ideas of humanity as a whole contribute to the impracticability of the American dream, the dreamer's dream.