Dreams are a double edge sword. They help us escape and make us feel in control of our lives, but they also serve as a reminder of the harsh reality of our lives and the fact we have lots of forces keeping us from molding our own futures and destiny
See Lennie, our life sucks, but our dream of the farm is symbolic of everything we are longing for. At its heart is a dream of freedom and independence
Candy is also searching for a place to belong. He wants the same thing George wants but is also desperate for it due to his age and health. It also shows the power of friendship for protecting and reaching dreams
I like your dream because it sounds like a place to call home, a place where someone belongs. I ain't got no home and I'm no good anymore. Since no one will shoot me like my dog, I'm afraid and want to belong too. I'll join ya!
You, George and Lennie's friendship and your dream makes me feel more alone. It just reminds me that I cannot have a place like that because of my skin color. I want to join you but George's reaction just now reminded me, I wouldn't belong anyways. Go away before you get me in trouble. I'll just pretend I don't want know place like that since I can't ever have it
For a moment Crooks feels a connection with Candy and Lennie talking about their dream, but the wife and George's reaction upon entering the stable reminds him that he wouldn't truly belong because of his skin color and there would for sure be something that would happened to get Crooks into trouble due to prejudice. He pretends not to want it as a coping mechanism to his grief and loneliness