What role do Dreams play in Chapter 2?

What are the significant issues explored by Steinbeck in Chapter 2 of Mice and Men? 

Very brief synopsis of the chapter -

(George and Lennie arrive at the ranch where they meet an old guy called Candy who give them the lowdown on the ranch. They speak to the boss who questions their work history and become suspicious when George does all the talking. Candy tells them about the others who live on the ranch; in particular that of Curley of his wife 'Curley's Wife'. George warns Lennie of where to go if something bad happens. George reminds Lennie that they need to work there long enough to be able to buy a ranch of their own. 

We will only focus on one theme in this post - One of the most important being DREAMS! 

All the characters in this novella have dreams so they don't give up. It makes their life worth living and to survive the effects of the Depression. But dreams, hopes and planning for the future can also hurt them... as we see later in the novella.  Everyone knows these dream are futile but they still have hopes and aspirations... although Crooks might be the only exception. This is because the characters never regard their hopes and ambitions as impossible things to fulfill – they see them instead as concrete and realistic plans.

Questions to consider...

• Does the dream farm mean the same thing to Lennie as it does to George? 
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• Do others on the farm also have dreams? Is it important to share these dreams with others, or is it more important that the dreams be kept secret?

Chapter 1 foreshadowing dread of what is to come.

What are some examples of foreshadowing in the opening chapter of Mice and Men?

The Salinas River and its surrounding area is described in chapter 1. The name 'Soledad', which is the location of this story is an interesting one. It means loneliness and as well know everyone ends up alone. Even before we meet Lennie and George, this area is described in great detail.  In this opening chapter we learn about the hopes and dreams that George and Lennie have for the future but this also foreshadows to the reader the theme that Steinbeck wants the reader to leave with.

The dead mouse in Lennie's pocket, and George's reaction to this, is also of key importance. It foreshadows the future of these two individuals. Lennie did not kill the mouse intentionally but this shows the reader that Lennie is not in control of his body and there are consequences of this later in the story, a sense of dread to what is to come. 

The opening paragraph portrays this area as the perfect Garden of Eden, untouched by man through the golden imagery describing the physical landscape of the Galiban Mountains and wildlife. Written in the present tense, this area will continue to live on well after George and Lennie, who are written about in the past tense. 

It is important that you are aware of the many examples of foreshadowing used by Steinbeck throughout this novella.