Lennie's own vision represents the desire for domestic
happiness which is a part of the "American Dream." While a significant part of the
American Dream is the idea of being able to generate wealth and develop a sense of
autonomy in one's life, I think that another part resides in domestic tranquility and
happiness in the personal realm. This component of the American Dream builds on the
idea of private happiness, or finding a realm of comfort that cannot be intruded upon by
the outside world. Certainly, Lennie desires for this. From the start of the novel, he
wishes to own this farm with George where he can "tend the rabbits." The ability to
feed, pet, and take care of the rabbits becomes the representation of his own happiness
in his American Dream. Lennie does not covet money or power, but rather the
establishment of the private realm where his happiness lies.
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