John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men contains several worthy themes. One of the major themes of this novel is that high aspirations develop hope, friendship, determination and enable a person to strive with a sense of self-worth.
Candy's loss of his dog and his joining George and Lennie's dream of owning land displays how a shared dream can breed hope and friendship. After the death of his dog, Candy experiences a deep sense of loss and feels empty. When Candy overhears George and Lennie discussing the possibility of owning a piece of land, Candy adopts the dream that George and Lennie share. George and Lennie allow Candy to share their dream, and Candy experiences hope. Importantly, Candy develops a friendship with George and Lennie. Candy confides about his inner feelings regarding his dog to George and begins a friendship. Candy's actions convey the idea that shared dreams develop hope and friendship.
Another significant example that having a dream develops hope, friendship, and determination is George's and Lennie's dream of having their own place. This dream motivates Candy to strive toward contribute three hundred and fifty dollars to the cause, and George suddenly realizes that having their own place definite possibility. George resolves to save every cent possible to pay off the little ranch. With the knowledge that their dream can be realized, Lennie, Candy, and George become good friends and develop optimism about their future. Furthermore, they develop a determination to improve their situation in their present lives. George's and Lennie's dream of having their own place fosters hope, friendship, and especially a strong determination to make that dream a reality. This determination ultimately enables George, Lennie, and Candy to strive with a sense of self-worth and importance.
Steinbeck's novel clearly depicts the idea that hope, friendship, and determination some of life necessities. Having high aspirations serve as motivations for us to attain extraordinary goals and to feel a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.