The Bond of Shared Dreams: George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks
Of Mice and MenTraces the temporary community formed by the dream of the farm, which briefly connects four lonely men across boundaries of age, race, and ability.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Dream Shared with Candy
The First Ally
Candy's Offer
When Candy offers his savings, he becomes part of the dream. He is not just a bystander; he is an investor. The dream becomes a plan that includes three men. The bond is based on shared hope.
The Emotional Connection
Candy is excited. He talks about the farm with George and Lennie. He imagines a future where he is not alone. The dream creates a bond of friendship between the three men.
The Exclusivity
The dream is a secret. George warns Candy not to tell anyone. The bond is exclusive, a private community. The three men are united against the outside world.
The Dream Shared with Crooks
The Expansion of the Bond
Crooks's Inclusion
When Lennie and Candy tell Crooks about the dream, he is initially skeptical. But he is drawn in. He offers to work for nothing. The dream briefly includes him, crossing the racial barrier.
The Moment of Unity
For a few minutes, the four men are united by the dream. They are equals in the fantasy. The bond is a rare moment of harmony in the novel.
The Destruction of the Bond
Curley's wife enters and threatens Crooks. The bond is shattered. Crooks retreats into his bitterness. The shared dream cannot survive the reality of prejudice. The bond is temporary, but it is a glimpse of what could be.
The second day at the ranch
The Saturday night
