"Of Mice and Men" is set in the time of the depression, and focused on the lives of two stragglers, One who is mentally retarded, and the other who cares for him. Although written during the depression the book focuses little on this, and more on the drama of the two migrant workers. The Hopes of the two men are built up throughout the entire book, and come crashing down at the end. This gives a new perspective, and meaning to the word and how it affects us as human beings. "Of Mice and Men" is not a story of Hope prevailing, but I do not believe that Steinbeck wanted us to dismiss this thought completely. Steinbeck portrays hope as a critical factor in the lives of Lennie, George, and many supporting characters as well.

Although tragic in conclusion, hope seams to be the force driving George and especially Lennie throughout the entire book (entire book). We first see how hope controls Lennie when he asks George to tell him the familiar story of them living happily ever after on there own land (12). A story George tells Lennie repeatedly, and about the only thing Lennie can remember. In fact if you look, you'll notice that very few of Lennie's conversations don't mention tending the rabbits on his future farm. What's interesting in this story is that George's hope spawns from Lennie. He never planed on living his dream, but Lennie's persistence was too overwhelming.

Hope was displayed in many layers in this book. Portrayed by Lennie and George, but also by supporting characters, as shown by Candy and Curly's wife. You get an Idea of Crook's loneliness in Chapter 4, when he speaks with Candy (82). You see this as well with Curly's wife in the barn as she opens up to Lennie, shortly before her untimely demise (96). These characters and their problems add depth to the story, and give you a sense of how real they could be. The realism added by these characters makes the story that much more enjoyable, and emphasizes on the importance of hope in everyday life.

Unfortunately a happy ending is not what is found at the conclusion of this drama, but Steinbeck is not trying to put across the point that hope is futile. Although hope does not prevail at the end of this novel, throughout the body, it plays a critical factor. Hope improved the quality of life for George and Lennie, and it gave them a goal to work for. Without hope this book would have lacked depth. At the end of the book you feel bad for Lennie, because of the dreams that lay in the ruins of his actions. Without this the book is more of a series of events, then that of a story.

Throughout reading this book, you are constantly bombarded with feelings of hope, and you see how it effects the lives of every character in the story. Steinbeck shows that even if you do not achieve what you are hoping for, it was still worth what it has put you through, for it could improve the overall quality of life. In this story hope was an aspect buried inside everything that was done, and played a heavy role in every characters life.