English notes - The Great Gatsby

(Fitzgerald, 1925 novel ) and Of Mice and

Men (Steinbeck, 1937 novella)
Notes & Quotes on main themes

Illusion versus the reality of the American Dream

Notes
● Juxtaposes the ideals of the American Dream (freedom, wealth, social status,
ideal family) with the structural inhibitors of the Dream (class divide,
educational discrimination).
● The illusion was that people had an equal chance of success; hard work =
success
● However, generation wealth/poverty contrasted this
○ People of colour
○ People with disability
○ Women
○ Other religious or ethnic minorities e.g. Jewish people
● An element of the American Psyche is that during both the economic boom
of the Roaring 20s and the economic collapse of the Great Depression, the
idea of the American Dream persists
● Gatsby follows the wealthy, underlining that even with wealth you cannot
achieve the dream
● Of Mice and Men follows the poor transient farmers, underlining the realities
of the human condition during this period
● Both cannot achieve the dream, but they represent differing realities and
communicate different messages tailored to their audiences
Facing reality
● Gatsby spotlights the psychological toll of illusion vs. reality, the
incongruities between the expectation of success and the realities of
limitation haunt Gatsby.
● He is already overcome before he is killed, by Daisy’s rejection and the
inability to integrate into the old-money bourgeoisie.
● He is forced to realise that there is an inescapable limit to his upward
mobility
● Of Mice and Men’s very premise underlines the collapse of an economic
system that could facilitate the realisation of the American Dream
● George faces these realisations which are much harsher than Gatsby’s
● Gatsby must let go of Daisy, forfeiting his ideal life and the American Dream.
Daisy represents his idealised outlook; she is out of reach. This is something
done to him, he had control over this.
● However, George is forced to kill Lennie, autonomously letting go of his
dream, facing reality and achieving the most merciful outcome.

Quotes
Illusion vs reality(+ some social class/inequality)

The Great Gatsby(1925):

● “Oh god… this is a terrible, terrible mistake… a terrible,
terrible mistake” → repetition, high modality language
○ A large contributor to the American Dream is the concept of a loving
nuclear family and interpersonal satisfaction. In, “Oh god… this is a
terrible, terrible mistake… a terrible, terrible mistake” Jay Gatsby is
reunited with Daisy Buchanan, and he realises that his idealised vision
of their love clashes with the harsh reality of her existing life. The
repetition of ‘terrible’ underscores the magnitude of his realisation,
while the word ‘mistake’ suggests that his pursuit of Daisy was
misguided. The use of high-modality language further portrays
Gatsby’s horror when his illusion of a perfect life is fractured by
reality. In this moment, Gatsby’s shattered illusion serves as a
microcosm of the broader American Dream - a dream that promises
prosperity, happiness, and fulfilment but often falls s7hort of its
idealised form.

● “They were at least agonisingly aware of the easy money in the vicinity and
 convinced that it was theirs for a few words in the right key.”
○ Irony - the phrase ‘easy money’ is ironic as the reality is far more
complex.
○ The juxtaposition of ‘agonisingly aware’ and ‘easy money’ highlights
the tension between perception and truth
○ Metaphor - the idea that wealth is ‘in the vicinity’ likens it to a physical
location, making it a tangible object
○ ‘Right key’ metaphorically suggests success can be unlocked with
specific words, like opening a treasure chest
○ Hyperbole - the guests’ conviction that wealth is ‘theirs’ with just a few
words exaggerates their optimism, amplifying their illusion
○ Sheds light on the superficiality and false hopes surrounding wealth at
Gatsby’s extravagant parties. The guests, drawn by opulence, believe
that fortune is within reach simply by saying the right things.
However, their belief in easy riches is an illusion. The quote
underscores the broader theme of illusion versus reality - the gap
between aspirations and the harsh truths of life.

● “We beat on boats against the current borne back ceaselessly

into the past.” → metaphor
○ Metaphor- Highlights the futility of efforts to achieve the dream due
to the inhibitions of social class
○ Boats symbolise human endeavours, while the ‘current’ represents the
inexorable flow of time and life
○ Enables the audience to reflect on how their own dreams often face
the harsh truths of existence

● “But I felt that Tom would drift on forever seeking a little

wistfully for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable
football game” → symbolism of the unachievable nature of the
dream
○ Provides a poignant glimpse into Tom Buchanan’s character, a former
football player. The phrase symbolises a past moment of intensity and
challenge - an unattainable memory. Tom’s longing mirrors the
broader theme of illusion versus reality. Just like he seeks the
unattainable excitement of the past, other characters also chase
dreams that often remain elusive.

● “Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this or
something. Do you notice what he’s got about improving his mind?”
○ In “Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like
 this or something. Do you notice what he’s got about improving his
mind?,” Jay Gatsby’s unwavering pursuit of the American Dream—
specifically, winning Daisy’s heart—creates an illusion of success. His
resolve to “get ahead” suggests that hard work alone will lead to
prosperity. However, the social divisions of the 1920s act as structural
barriers, preventing his relationship with Daisy from developing.
Ultimately, this collision of dreams and reality results in Gatsby’s tragic
downfall. The rhetorical question educates the audience on the gap
between aspirations and achievements; determination cannot always
overcome the societal constraints shaping life.
○ Fragility Of hopes and dreams

● “His dream must have seemed so close he could hardly fail to

grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him” →
metaphor, irony
○ Fitzgerald skilfully portrays Gatsby’s unwavering pursuit of the
American dream in, “His dream must have seemed so close he could
hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him”
through the use of vivid imagery and irony. Gatsby believed that his
dream - winning Daisy’s heart - would become successful if he
endeavoured to; it was within reach. This allows the reader to visualise
the vivid imagery of Gatsby grasping something tantalisingly close.
However, the irony lies in the contrast between Gatsby’s perception
and reality. The dream’s proximity is illusory, reinforcing the
unattainability of the American Dream as a whole.

Of mice & men(1937):

● “Just like heaven. Everybody wants a little piece of land. I
read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven, and
nobody gets no land. It’s just in their head.” →
○ Steinbeck masterfully explores the ideals of prosperity, independence,
and happiness in, “Just like heaven. Everybody wants a little piece of
land. I read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven,
and nobody gets no land. It’s just in their head.” which is spoken by
Crooks who has witnessed many dreamers pass through the ranch. His
cynicism reflects the harsh reality that the American Dream remains
elusive - an illusion sustained in the mind but rarely materialising. This
emphasises the fragility of dreams and the gap between aspirations
and achievement, allowing audiences to reconsider their own personal
goals.
 ● “We gonna have a little place- and rabbits”
● “He said patiently ’I like em with ketchup.’ ‘Well we ain’t got
any’ George exploded.” → symbolism, colloquialism
○ Establishes Lennie and George as extremely poor, and underlines the
significant decrease in quality of life following the Great Depression
and the ability to purchase basic “luxuries” such as ketchup.
○ The seemingly innocuous exchange between Lennie and George - “He
said patiently ’I like em with ketchup.’ ‘Well we ain’t got any’ George
exploded.” carries profound symbolism through colloquialism.
Ketchup, often taken for granted, represents a simple pleasure that
signifies comfort and the ability to enjoy life’s necessities. However,
Steinbeck masterfully uses this mundane detail to underscore the
harsh reality faced by these transient workers during the Great
Depression. George’s explosive response reveals not just frustration
but also the broader economic struggle. The absence of ketchup
becomes a microcosm of their overall hardship - a stark reminder of
the challenges that prevent them from achieving their dreams. In this
brief dialogue, Steinbeck emphasises the vulnerability of dreams and
the vast gap between aspirations and achievable comforts

Corrupting Influence of materialism

Notes

The Great Gatsby (1925)

● In the Great Gatsby, money is a huge motivator in relationships and outcomes.
● Daisy marries and stays with Tom for the lifestyle
● Myrtle has an affair with Tom due to the privileged world she can access
● Gatsby lusts after Daisy like a prize to be won, and turns to crime via a partnership
with Meyer Wolfshiem to quickly amass wealth
● Nick’s connection to Daisy makes him attractive to Gatsby, even if he does not have
much money.
● Daisy only begins her affair after Gatsby’s detailed mansion tour
● Gatsby learnt the charms of the upper class to make Daisy think he was rich
● Everyone who was poor and tried to work their way up (e.g. Gatsby and Myrtle)
eventually dies. Even if they acheive the dream, they will inevitably be dragged down
and never acheive success
● No one shows up to Gatsby’s funeral because they were only interested in his
money and parties
 ● Daisy and Tom are able to quickly pick up and leave after the murders - money is
more than status, it is a shield from having to face the consequences

Of Mice and Men (1937)

● The economic disparity between wealthy landowners and transient workers is stark.
Those with more money take advantage of the vulnerable labourers
● Curley, the boss’s son, embodies this exploitation. His aggressive behaviour and
mistreatment of the workers reflect the corrupting influence of materialism.
● George, despite his care for Lennie, becomes consumed by the pursuit of financial
stability. His focus on money shifts his priorities away from human connections and
compassion
● The dream of owning land leads him to make difficult choices that ultimately impact
Lennie’s fate
● Killing Candy’s dog serves as a powerful symbol. The dog, once a loyal companion,
becomes useless and burdensome
● The decision to put the dog down highlights the cruelty that emerges when
materialistic priorities override empathy and compassion.

Comparison
Materialism and Relationships
● In the Great Gatsby, money is abundant and significantly motivates relationships
and outcomes.
● In Of Mice and Men, the economic disparity between rich and poor is evident.

Pursuit of wealth
● Gatsby lusts after Daisy like a prize. He turns to crime to become rich
● George, despite caring for Lennie, becomes consumed with the idea of
owning land
Consequences
● In both novels, characters who strive for material success often face tragic
outcomes
○ Gatsby’s death and eventual fate of those who work their way up highlight
this theme
○ George is forced to kill Lennie himself - he loses Lennie while also having to
deal with the guilt of how his materialistic priorities eventually lead up to his
demise
Quotes

The Great Gatsby(1925):

● “For Daisy was young, and her artificial world was redolent of
orchids and pleasant cheerful snobbery.” → metaphor, oxymoron
○ Fitzgerald adeptly exposes the corrosive impact of materialism on characters’
lives.
○ The metaphorical ‘artificial world’ describes Daisy’s existence as constructed,
superficial, and lacking authenticity. This is juxtaposed with her restricted
lifestyle - despite her wealth and privilege - which reveals the hollowness of
materialistic pursuits
○ The oxymoron within “pleasant cheerful snobbery” highlights the corrupting
influence of upper-class life. Daisy’s social circle of the East Egg exudes
charm and affluence, yet beneath this lies shallowness and moral decay.
○ Therefore, Fitzgerald effectively illustrates how the pursuit of wealth can
lead to moral compromise and emotional bankruptcy.

● “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and
creatures and then retreated back into their money.” → juxtaposition,
imagery
○ The juxtaposition of both Tom and Daisy’s destructive actions and their
immense wealth highlights their moral irresponsibility and carelessness due
to their wealth
○ Metatextually condemning their actions
○ The imagery of ‘smashing up things and creatures’ vividly portrays their
recklessness. It suggests that their actions harm not only material
possessions but also living beings.
○ The retreat ‘back into their money’ emphasises how their wealth acts as a
refuge, insulating them from the consequences, and allowing them to
perpetuate a cycle of destruction without facing repercussions.
○ This enables the audience to consider how wealth can perpetuate a lack of
empathy and accountability.

● “She vanished into her rich house, into her rich, full life, leaving Gatsby nothing”
○ In, “She vanished into her rich house, into her rich, full life, leaving Gatsby
nothing” Fitzgerald powerfully uses visual imagery to evoke a sense of abrupt
departure, as if Daisy dissolves into opulence.
○ Daisy’s retreat into her ‘rich house’ symbolises the isolation that wealth can
bring, forming a barrier between her and genuine connections.
○ Despite her ‘full’ life, Daisy leaves Gatsby emotionally bankrupt. This stark
contrast highlights the hollowness of Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth, status, and
luxury, which ultimately fails to provide him fulfilment.
○ Daisy’s departure serves as a reminder to the audience that material wealth
cannot provide true happiness but instead leads to emotional emptiness,
 leaving characters like Gatsby with nothing but shattered dreams.
● “They’re such beautiful shirts”
● “They had spent a year in France, for no particular reason, and then drifted here and
there unrestfully wherever people played polo and were rich together”
○ Fitzgerald’s description of Tom and Daisy Buchanan serves as a nuanced
introduction to the couple and their privileged yet vacuous lives.
○ The dichotomy between their affluent lifestyle and their emotional
emptiness is starkly highlighted through the monotonous, detached
narration. This reflects their lack of purpose and fulfilment, creating a
powerful juxtaposition with their opulence.
○ The mention of their year in France, devoid of any specific purpose,
underscores their detachment from the practical concerns that drive the
lives of less affluent individuals.
○ Their engagement in polo, a sport emblematic of upper-class leisure, further
accentuates their social privilege.
○ However, Fitzgerald also reveals the underlying boredom and restlessness
that pervades their existence. The Buchanans’ aimless drifting and relentless
search for new experiences reflect a profound sense of ennui, stemming
from their excessive wealth.
○ Through this concise portrayal, Fitzgerald invites readers to judge Tom and
Daisy, setting the stage for an exploration of materialism, disillusionment,
and moral decay in the novel.
● “Gatsby was overwhelmingly aware of the youth and mystery that wealth imprisons
and preserves, of the freshness of many clothes, and of Daisy, gleaming like silver,
safe and proud above the struggles of the poor.”
○ uses personification and irony to highlight the dual nature of wealth: it both
safeguards and confines. The term “imprisons” suggests that wealth, while
preserving youthful vitality and allure, also restricts genuine freedom,
confining individuals within a gilded cage.
○ The imagery of “the freshness of many clothes” serves to underscore the
superficiality of Gatsby’s obsession with wealth and status. Clothes, often
symbols of social identity and economic power, reflect the constant need to
maintain a pristine image. This visual imagery contrasts sharply with the
deeper emotional and moral decay that underpins Gatsby’s life.
○ The depiction of Daisy as “gleaming like silver” further intensifies the
contrast between the privileged and the impoverished. Silver, a precious and
lustrous metal, symbolises Daisy’s elevated status and allure, portraying her
as both radiant and untouchable. The phrase “safe and proud above the
struggles of the poor” emphasizes Daisy’s detachment from the realities
faced by those less fortunate. This juxtaposition highlights her insulated
existence, removed from the hardships experienced by others.
○ Fitzgerald effectively exposes the superficiality and limitations of wealth. By
portraying Gatsby’s awareness of these dynamics, the quote critiques the
way wealth can both shield and isolate individuals, reinforcing the novel’s
exploration of the American Dream’s inherent contradictions and the moral
 decay masked by opulence.

Of mice & men(1937):

● “Coulda been in the movies, and had nice clothes- all them nice clothes like
they wear”
○ Curley’s wife yearns for a life with fame, luxury, and social status.
○ The metaphor symbolises her unfulfilled dreams. These dreams blind
her to her current reality on the ranch, emphasising the corrupting
influence of material desires
○ The reader learns how the pursuit of material success - represented
by the movies and nice clothes - ultimately leads to tragedy. Curley’s
wife’s unfulfilled dreams contribute to her vulnerability, leading her to
confide in Lennie and resulting in her accidental death. This
underscores the destructive consequences of materialistic desires.
● “Well, next time you answer when you’re spoken to”
○ Curley’s curt and imperious tone reflects his expectation that others
should comply with his commands simply because of the entitlement
that wealth provides.
○ Underlines the power disparity and entitlement wielded by Curley,
ultimately caused by his position of wealth.
○ Curley’s aggressive behaviour and mistreatment of the workers
exemplify that his desire for dominance overrides empathy.
○ Curley is more than a prejudiced character, he is a powerful symbol of
the exploitation of people from the time.
● “You seen what they done to my dog tonight? They says he wasn’t no good to
himself nor nobody else.”
○ Candy’s dog represents more than just a pet; it symbolises the
marginalised members of society. Once a loyal companion, the dog
becomes useless due to old age. Similarly, characters like Candy,
Crooks, and Curley’s wife face marginalisation due to their age, race,
and gender respectively.
○ The decision to put down the dog highlights the cruelty that emerges
when materialistic priorities override compassion; mirroring the
broader societal attitude toward those who cannot contribute
materially.
○ In the context of the Great Depression, the American dream promised
prosperity, independence, and upward mobility. However, the harsh
reality is that materialism often leads to callousness. The fate of
Candy’s dog reflects the disillusionment of the Dream. Even loyal
companions are discarded when they no longer serve a purpose.
Fragility of Hopes & Dreams

Notes

The Great Gatsby

● Deconstructs and critiques the concept of the American Dream
● Fitzgerald suggests dreams and hopes are fragile and deconstructed by structural
inhibitors and actions of characters
● With every action that destroys a character’s shot at the ideal life, we see how
fragile it is
● Daisy has the ‘perfect’ social position but is still miserable with Tom
○ Tom and Daisy seemingly have the ‘Dream’, however he’s cheating on her
● Gatsby, who worked hard to accrue wealth is still undermined by social divides
between new and old money
○ This is why he eventually falls prey to his inevitable mortality
● The action that ‘destroyed’ Gatsby’s dreams was when he took the blame for Daisy.
Daisy realised it was safer to stay with Tom because that meant she could avoid the
consequences of her actions
○ This shows the fragility of the American Dream because everyone if you try
and do everything right, you do not have full autonomy, so it can all fall apart
from someone else’s actions

Comparison
● The fragility of the hopes and dreams of both protagonists is demonstrated in what
it took for those dreams to be destabilised
● Gatsby’s goals are unachievable due to the inherent social structure of the period
and Gatsby’s social class at birth
● In Of Mice and Men, it is due to the broader economic context
● However, it is ultimately the actions of those dearest to the protagonists (Daisy and
Lennie) that eradicate all hope
○ Daisy’s carelessness: the wealth in Gatsby allows characters to avoid
consequences. Daisy’s actions are seen as a part of a trend of behaviour,
adding to her culpability
○ Lennie is only in that situation because of the Great Depression, caused by
the wealthy
Quotes

The Great Gatsby(1925):

● “There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled
short of his dreams—not through her own fault but because of the colossal
vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything.”
○ The metaphor refers to Gatsby's idealised version of Daisy, and his
dream of rekindling their romance surpasses reality. This symbolises
the all-encompassing nature of dreams, transcending the boundaries
of reason and practicality.
○ Daisy, despite her social position, falls short of Gatsby’s dreams. This is
not her fault. The irony is that Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy - his ultimate
dream - becomes a source of disillusionment. His illusion of her
perfection clashes with the reality of her imperfections.
○ Gatsby’s hopes are vulnerable to Daisy’s choices and the societal
barriers of the time, and his disillusionment reflects the inherent risk
of investing everything in an idealised vision. The audience learns that
this portrays the fragility of dreams, as they hinge on external factors
and other’s actions, as well as how the pursuit of dreams can lead to
disappointment when reality falls short.

Of mice & men(1937):

● “They looked at one another, amazed. This thing they had never really
believed in was coming true.”
○ starkly illuminates the fallibility of dreams through irony, as the dream
is ultimately short-lived. This moment of astonishment highlights the
tenuous nature of George and Lennie’s dream of owning a piece of
land, a dream they have long held but never truly believed would come
to fruition. Their amazement reveals the deep-seated scepticism they
harbour about the feasibility of their aspirations.
○ This fleeting moment of hope is emblematic of the broader theme of
fragility in the novel. The dream of land ownership symbolises not just
material success but a profound yearning for security and autonomy.
Yet, this vision is fundamentally unstable, as evidenced by the harsh
reality that soon overwhelms them. Lennie’s tragic accident, driven by
the socio-economic pressures of the Great Depression, dismantles
their aspirations, illustrating how external forces and personal
misfortune can shatter dreams with ruthless efficiency.

● “Please don’t he begged. Oh! Please don’t do that. George’ll be

 mad.” → repetition, truncated sentences
○ poignantly illustrates the fragility of Lennie’s hopes and dreams
through the use of repetition and truncated sentences. Lennie’s
repeated pleas highlight his desperation and innocence, underscoring
his inability to grasp the full consequences of his actions. This
repetition emphasises his fear and his simplistic understanding of the
situation, revealing a deep disconnect between his innocent intent and
the tragic outcomes.
○ The truncated sentences further underline Lennie’s vulnerability and
naivety. His concern is not about the severe implications of his actions
but rather about upsetting George, reflecting his childlike simplicity.
○ This moment encapsulates the fragility of the dreams that Lennie and
George share. Their hope of owning a piece of land is rendered fragile
by Lennie’s inability to control his strength and the harsh realities they
face. The tragic outcome of this scene—Lennie’s fatal interaction with
Curley’s wife—symbolises the collapse of their aspirations,
demonstrating how easily factors beyond their control can shatter
dreams.

Social class & inequality

Notes

The Great Gatsby

● Showcases the American Dream and the clash between old money and new money
shown by geographical distinction
● People in East Egg are materialistic, shallow, and superficial. They are self-centred
and careless, oblivious to the needs and feelings of those around them.
● West egg lacks the taste of East Egg, however, they are more moral
● East egg symbolises social and moral decay, West Egg symbolises social values

Practicalities of disillusionment
● Over time the nature of the Dream has evolved depending on social values and
lifestyle
● It normally follows an ideal only available to the wealthy
● Social others such as women and people of colour are often excluded from this goal
Characters unable to achieve the American Dream due to their social class
● Meyer Wolfsheim - he was Jewish and according to the social structures of the
Dream he could never achieve it. He has to make his money illegally to make money.
● Jay Gatsby - while he was in the ‘ideal’ demographic, there were still structural
inhibitors:
○ He did not have the stability of ‘old money’
○ He didn’t have a good education, he had to lie
○ He threw parties and was very social, this was simply to show off his money
to Daisy, which was something East Egg people did not have to do
○ It was frowned upon to divorce, so Daisy couldn’t leave Tom for Gatsby

Comparison

Women
● Both texts present women in a limited, objectified manner
● They are part of the American Dream as something to be gained or obtained
● In Gatsby, Daisy is presented as the prize, the symbolic embodiment of Gatsby’s
success
● In Of Mice and Men, Curley’s wife is only represented through her husband. She is
given limited autonomy, and she metafictively acts as the catalyst of both Curley
and Geroge’s dissatisfaction.

Quotes

The Great Gatsby (1925)

● “He told me he was an Oxford man…But I don’t believe it”
○ The reference to “an Oxford man” serves as a synecdoche for broader social
status and legitimacy. Oxford, as a symbol of elite education and established
social pedigree, represents not just academic achievement but a certain level
of social prestige and respectability. Through this condescending tone, Tom
is questioning not just Gatsby’s education but his entire social standing and
legitimacy within the elite class.
○ Gatsby’s attempts to assimilate into the elite class are thwarted by such
scepticism, which stresses the difficulty of overcoming class prejudices.
○ Despite Gatsby's substantial wealth and efforts to cultivate an air of
sophistication, his lack of an “authentic” old-money background renders him
suspect in the eyes of characters like Tom. This reveals the barriers that
individuals face in trying to gain acceptance and status within the established
upper class, illustrating the social stratification in the socio-political context.
 ● However glorious might be his future as Jay Gatsby, he was at present a penniless
young man without a past, and at any moment the invisible cloak of his uniform
might slip from his shoulders.
○ Can fit into social class & inequality, fragility of hopes & dreams and illuison
vs reality
● “He let her believe that he was a person from much the same stratum as herself—
that he was fully able to take care of her.”” As a matter of fact he had no such
facilities—he had no comfortable family standing behind him and he was liable at the
whim of an impersonal government to be blown anywhere about the world.”
○ Can fit into social class & inequality, illuison vs reality and corruption of
materialism
○ Second part of quote can also fit into fragility of hopes & dreams
● “I hope she'll be a fool — that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful
little fool.”
○ critiques the limited roles available to women and highlights the social
inequalities of the 1920s. Daisy’s remark underscores the harsh reality that,
for women of her social class in East Egg, superficial beauty and ignorance
are valued over intelligence. The irony in her statement—suggesting that
being a “fool” is preferable—reveals the disillusionment with the American
Dream for women, indicating that true empowerment and fulfillment are
unattainable within this societal framework. Daisy’s own superficial existence
and moral decay symbolize the emptiness behind the American Dream’s
promise, reflecting the broader theme of social inequality and the
constraints imposed on women, a theme similarly explored in Of Mice and
Men.
● “"Her voice is full of money," he said suddenly. That was it. It was full of money—that
was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals' song
of it...”
○ Social class and inequality
■ Metaphor equates her voice to money and pairs it with positive
imagery, representing the monetary centric values of the american
dream.
○ Illusion vs reality
■ It represents the illusions of ‘success’ created by the american dream,
pairing money with positive imagery to create the facade that money
equals happiness

Of mice & men(1937):

● “Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier.”
 ○ The simile highlights the social class inequalities and power dynamics in the
novella. Comparing Curley to a dog, a territorial animal, emphasises Curley’s
condescending attitude and his need to assert dominance over those of
lower social standing, like Lennie. This imagery reflects Curley’s contempt
and his desire to reinforce his social superiority.
○ Curley’s aggressive demeanour towards Lennie mirrors the broader societal
tendency to belittle those with less wealth or lower status. The comparison
underscores the systemic inequalities at play, portraying Curley’s behaviour
as a manifestation of the novella’s critique of social class divisions and the
treatment of individuals based on their economic position.

Vocabulary
●