During the period of Rationalism, the idea of a utopian
society emerged. This is a perfect
society, but in reality, perfection cannot actually be achieved. Even though realistically, perfecting a
society is not possible, this concept served as a goal for the people of this
time. The Rationalists were developing
the idea of America, and they struggled with defining what it meant to be
“American.” Though their work in shaping America, they were able to create as
close to a Utopian society as they could get.
With trial and error, they created an “ideal” society; one that fit
their needs, but was always evolving and becoming better.
In Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie have a dream of
one day owning their own ranch and house.
George says, “Someday-we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna
have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs and––“
then Lennie interrupts and says, “An’ have rabbits.” For Lennie, the rabbits represent their goal
in life. He loves to feel soft things,
and anytime he thinks of tending the rabbits, he gets so excited. Each day, George and Lennie get up with the
desire to do their work so that they can obtain enough money to live on their
own. Now, they are living with other men
who they don’t particularly get along with, but in the future, they will be
together and have their own cattle, garden, rabbits, and house. For them, this is a Utopian Society, and just
as the Rationalists did, they work towards it every day.
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