In part three of the novel, Of Mice and Men, I noticed how dedicated George and Lennie are towards reaching their dream. The men both resist peer pressure and fun opportunities in order to stay out of trouble and save up their money.
As George gets to know more people on the ranch he gets may offers to join in on some of the ranch fun. While talking to Whit, George learns about Susy's saloon where the ranch men like to go to in their free time. Whit explains how at Susy's saloon, men have a fun time drinking and listening to Susy's jokes. When Whit asks if George would like to tag along, George is very quick to respond. He says "Me an' Lennie's rollin' up a stake. I might go in an' set and have a shot, but I ain't puttin' out no two and a half." (53). This shows George's dedication to the dream because he rejects an offer from a new friend to make sure that he is saving up any money that comes into his pockets. George also makes a conscious decision, on page 54, to make sure that he stays out of trouble. When word gets out that there could be a possible fight between Slim and Curly, the men in the bunkhouse are quick to run out and explore the action. When Whit wants George to join him, George responds by saying "I'm stayin' right here. I don't want to get mixed up in nothing. Lennie and me got to make a stake"(54). When George stayed back at the bunkhouse it showed how he truly did not want to get in trouble. He was determined to stay out of trouble long enough to receive their stake. By resisting the action in these two situations, it shows that George is making a definite effort to achieve his dream.
After George and Lennie let Candy in on their dream, they realize that their dream really could come true. Lennie is extremely excited and can't stop himself from smiling. When Curley came into the bunkhouse after arguing with Slim, he thought that Lennie was smiling because he was laughing at him. The misunderstanding quickly led to punches being thrown. Lennie, who was determined to stay on his best behavior to achieve their dream, did not fight back or defend himself in order to stay out of trouble. I think that Lennie's reaction to the fight shows how much he protects the dream. In the depressing time Lennie is living in, there is not much that can bring happiness. I can tell that the dream gives Lennie a true sense of happiness and hope. He will not let any bad behavior stand in the way of achieving his happiness/dream.
George and Lennie's resistance towards pressure truly show that the men are working towards their dream. Throughout part three I saw that George and Lennie both have a profound dedication to their dream. John Steinbeck used this section in the book to show how George and Lennie's mindset about their dream transitioned from a thought in the back of their heads to a true goal.
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