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, has a mental disability and an obsession with petting soft objects. One day, while stroking a girl's hair, Lennie accidentally kills her. And 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, his unreal dreams, and his dependence on other characters. The American dream is unattainable due to the different levels created in society that lead to discrimination. First, Curley's wife experiences gender discrimination that prevents her from living her American dream. After her marriage to Curley, her dream is shattered. We learn how horrible her life is when she admits that she "(doesn't) like Curley" (100) because he's "not a good guy" (100). And Curley, being overprotective of her, wants her to "talk to no one but (him)" (98) or else he "gets angry" (98). But feeling "terribly lonely" (98), she tries to strike up a conversation with the people in the dormitory. And in return, all she gets is being called a “slut” (31) or “tramp” (35). So, if Curley forbids his wife to talk to anyone, he will in no way allow her to pursue her dream. Therefore, due to all the discrimination Curley's wife suffers, he is unable to achieve his American dream. Second, Crooks experiences racial discrimination. The American dream of scammers is to be treated equally by everyone. But he "isn't wanted in the dormitory" (77) because... in the middle of the paper... you deal with them that together, they could "get a big stake" (63) to be able to buy a "small place and live off it the lan'” (63). Candy says she would "cook, take care of the chickens, and dig the garden a little" (67). However, after Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, Candy, in “his greatest fear” (107), he asks George if they can still “take that little place” (107). But he knew it wasn't, and just at that moment his American dream comes to an end. Therefore if Candy had been all by his side following his American dream without depending on George and Lennie, he would have been successful. In the end, even after working so hard, none of the characters managed to achieve their American dream. In conclusion, Steinbeck shows the American dream as an unattainable goal due to a character's position in society, his unreal dreams, and his dependence on other characters..