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There’s no symbol shortage in Of Mice and Men but there is one symbol that looms over them all—the farm that George describes to Lennie (and anyone else who will listen). In Steinbeck’s story, the farm represents more than a business opportunity. For George and Lennie, the farm represents a promised land of economic freedom. It also represents an impossible dream—this being Of Mice and Men. And for the 60second Recap, it represents the chance to stage a silly song-and-dance act with a pitchfork.

Video Transcription:

There’s one symbol in Of Mice and Men that really stands out: The imaginary farm that George and Lennie dream of owning. The farm promises an idyllic life where George and Lennie would be sheltered from the trials of the world. Let’s take a closer look at this symbol—next.

George and Lennie had a dream
E-I-E-I-O
They had a dream to own a farm
E-I-E-I-O
An acre here, and an acre there,
Here an acre, there an acre,
Everywhere an acre acre
George and Lennie had a dream
E-I-E-I-O.

And in that dream they owned some … bunnies!
E-I-E-I-O
They owned some bunnies for Lennie to pet
E-I-E-I-O
A soft one here, and a soft one there
Here a soft one, there a soft one,
Everywhere a soft one soft one
In that dream they owned some bunnies
E-I-E-I-O.

Now George and Lennie’s dream is what you call a symbol
E-I-E-I-O
The farm stands for freedom and self-reliance
E-I-E-I-O
A better life here, and a better life there,
Here a better there a better
Everywhere a better better,
George and Lennie’s farm stands for freedom and self-reliance.
E-I!!!!
E-I!!!!
O!!!!!!!!!!!