1. The American Dream AO4

2. The Declaration of Independence “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” Which characters does this statement link to and why?

3. The American Dream and the New Frontier America was largely unexplored in the 19 th century The many men that travelled west to settle on free land were known as frontiersmen By 1900 there was no frontier left to conquer, life became tough and pessimism set in – many felt that this American Dream was dead. But, the concept of the AD still thrives today – even referenced in Obama’s campaign speeches – it is part of American history and culture. Frontiersmen were mainly poor as they felt travelling to the free land promised the chance of a better life – it gave them hope. Frontiersmen were driven by the desire to make their own fortune and to be their own boss.

4. The Great Depression /American Dream The economic boom in the 1920s saw a ‘new dream’ emerge. Investing on the stock market gave hope for ‘get rich quick’ schemes – an exciting but risky time…. The rise of Hollywood was glamorous and exciting. Films were in colour for the first time. It provided a new vision. Hope to a new generation of ‘dreamers’. The Wall Street Crash in 1929 ended the ‘boom’ and pessimism swept America again. Poverty in the 1930s halted the ‘pursuit of happiness’ for may. The Great Depression hit rural America the hardest – drought and over farming resulted. Many workers migrated west in search of work but increasing mechanisation meant less work for labourers. The film industry continued to thrive – it provided escapism from a bleak existence

5. The New Deal Franklin D Roosevelt provided some hope in 1932. His New Deal had 3 aims: ◦Relief – to help improve the people’s lives ◦Recovery – to begin rebuilding US industry and trade ◦Reform – to change conditions to ensure future progress The ND created some optimism and people’s lives began to improve but farmers were hit hardest and their recovery was still a long way off….but it became a possibility once more.

6. Find your top 5 American Dream Quotes …. George and Lennie dream of living “off the fatta the lan”. Curley’s wife dreams that she could have “been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes”.

7. AO2 points – Symbolism is used to augment the bleak circumstances of the ranch workers. The heron swallows the snake ‘the beak swallowed the little snake while its tail waved frantically’ Cyclical structure – the novel begins and ends at the pool ’Hide in the brush until I come for you’ – the tragic end is inevitable for Lennie – and all itinerant workers pursuing their dream.

8. P.65 – ‘we belong there’ – seeking home, safety, belonging – roots and a family. ‘build a smokehouse like the one my grandad had’ Money is spent at a ‘cat-house’ – on prostitutes and frivolous pleasures – no real long term dream possible. P.84 ‘nobody never gets to heaven and nobody gets no land’ Crooks. Pessimistic – also Steinbeck’s view? Cynical that the dream is a viable possibility. Frontiersman are an outdated concept - Great Depression – high unemployment. G&L – itinerant workers – for agency ‘Murray and Ready’s’. Declaration of Independence is misleading – American Dream is dead. More unachievable for him as he is black – Jim Crow Laws enforced segregation – black man = inferior. P.83 ‘hundreds of men come by on that road’ ‘same damn thing in their head’ Candy seduced by dream ‘spose I went in with you guys’ aged and disabled – only obtained $250 – wishes to invest it in Lennie’s dream. ‘I could of hoed in the garden’ ‘You God damn tramp’ P.120 dream precedes the shooting ; Lennie dies whilst ebing told about the dream ‘let’s do it now’ - poignant

9. P.120 dream precedes the shooting ; Lennie dies whilst being told about the dream ‘let’s do it now’ – poignant that he dies whilst immersed in the dream. Lennie’s attitude is childlike. George- more realistic – not a fantasist but maintains idea for Lennie’s comfort. Dream provides meaning in the lives of the workers. Curley’s wife been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes”. ‘he said I was a natural’ – escaping marriage, loneliness, harsh masculine work, no employment. Slim and the boss – no dream. They have some autonomy / status – Slim’s respected ‘prince of the ranch’ and the Boss – wealth.

10. Plan your answer. 6 short quotes. V.brief key references to historical context. Maybe 2/3 paragraphs. Explain what Steinbeck is saying. Include at least one reference to AO2 device. 20 minutes. Timed tomorrow in class.