As a literary expert, I have an in-depth understanding of the characters and themes in John Steinbeck's classic novel, "Of Mice and Men." Lennie Small, one of the central characters in the story, embodies a dream that is both simple and profound. This dream, shared with his companion George Milton, is the driving force behind their journey and the heart of the narrative.

Lennie's dream is rooted in the desire for a life of simplicity and freedom. He envisions a place where he can live with George, away from the harsh realities of their transient farm life. This dream is not just about owning land, but about the life they would lead on it. It is a dream of autonomy and self-sufficiency, a place where they can escape the constant threat of unemployment and homelessness that looms over them.

At the core of Lennie's dream is his love for animals, particularly soft-haired creatures like rabbits. This is a reflection of his innocence and his need for something gentle and comforting to care for. The image of Lennie tending to the rabbits on their land is a poignant symbol of his longing for a peaceful existence, free from the cruelty and exploitation he faces in the world.

However, Lennie's dream is not without its challenges. His innocence makes him vulnerable to misunderstanding and manipulation, as seen in his interaction with Crooks, the black stable buck. Crooks suggests that George might not return for him, which angers Lennie. This incident reveals the fragility of Lennie's trust in George and the depth of his emotional dependence on his friend.

The dream of owning a piece of land and living in freedom is not just a personal aspiration for Lennie and George; it represents the broader aspirations of the working class during the Great Depression. It is a dream of stability and dignity, a dream that is tragically out of reach for many due to the economic and social conditions of the time.

In conclusion, Lennie's dream is a complex tapestry of innocence, longing, and the harsh realities of life during a tumultuous period in American history. It is a dream that resonates with the universal desire for a better life, a place to call home, and the freedom to live as one chooses.

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Lennie is the only character who is innocent enough not to fear loneliness, but he is angry when Crooks suggests George won't come back to him. George and Lennie share a dream - to own a little patch of land and live on it in freedom. Lennie's main desire is to tend the soft-haired rabbits they will keep.read more >>