George and Lennie’s Complex Relationship Since Lennie has a mental disability, it is hard for George to keep Lennie out of trouble in a various number of situations. George gets frustrated with Lennie several times in the novel, and it is hard for George to stay by Lennie’s side at some points. Lennie and George face several issues, and it continues in the book Of Mice and Men. Even though Lennie and George’s friendship has its problems, there are still benefits of having a friend. Lennie’s mental disability isn’t as dangerous when George is around.
In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck portrays the relationship between George and Lennie as very dominating yet caring. George has been a father type figure to Lennie ever since he started taking care of him. With George being a father figure to Lennie, that means he has to watch over him, keep him out of trouble, and love him, which he did. In the very dominate relationship between George and Lennie, George has a very dominate roll.
Lennie is a gentle guy who can 't really control his reactions while in a sudden moment. He makes mistakes very quickly to where he can 't control the outcome. He is a strong guy who isn 't very smart, he lets george do all the thinking out of there group. And his short of intelligence escapes him when he gets into a serious matter. He makes a lot of mistakes very often, but he gets by because everyone knows how he is.
George has many strengths, however probably his greatest strength is his brain. He always knows what to say and what not to say, however Lennie doesn’t so George always finds himself having to help Lennie out of a situation. George tries to stay on everybody's good side as to keep Lennie and him out of trouble. ” In a panic, Lennie looked at George for help. “He can do anything you tell him,” said George.”
George sacrifices the chance to have a better and more fulfilled life to stay with Lennie. First, when George was introducing himself and Lennie to their new boss, he said, “I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy.” This shows that George was portraying that he cares about Lennie enough to be picked up on by others. He was willing to lie about being Lennie’s cousin to get him a job. Also, when George and Lennie were talking to each other at their camp spot George said, “I could get along so easy and nice If I didn’t have you on my tail.”
The Friendship of George George is a hard working man who relies on mental acuity to get the job. He has a natural leader feel to him because he commands all of the people around him. George is described as small man with dark undertones and strong and slender physical features. Despite his dark facial features, George is a man with a caring attitude and helps whoever needs him. George’s best friend is Lennie depends on him to know what to do and tell him what to do.
What comes to mind when the word loyalty is mentioned? A dog, a pet, friends or family is what most people think of when the word is mentioned. However, many would not associate the word loyalty with loneliness. When John Steinbeck thought of loyalty he wrote of deep friendships and a dog and its owner’s love. Loyalty can be associated with loneliness because by the end of a friendship or family member, someone is always gone before the other, due to old age or a medical issue that has come up.
Selfishness vs. Selflessness The words selfish and selfless are two completely different words with two completely different meanings, yet they get confused quite often. In “Of Mice and Men,” some readers may envision the character George as selfish or harsh towards Lennie, however, Steinbeck portrays George as selfless. George and Lennie find themselves in penurious situations very often. This is burdensome for George considering Lennie’s mental disability, and it should be expected that George will become infuriated with him at times.
George may seem controlling of Lennie seeing as if Lennie makes anymore mistakes, George could lose his job and reputation. Nevertheless George feels the need to protect him after almost getting him killed back when they first met. George played a prank not knowing that Lennie couldn 't swim and Lennie almost drowned. In all these instances George has both a controlling side and a protective side. George tries his hardest to protect Lennie
The first connection is the similarities between the lyrics I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5 and the relationship of George and Lennie. The song illustrates how a person’s life revolves around another individual. The lyrics mention how he’s always going to be there for her, even though she moved on with someone else. As well, he will always be there to comfort and protect her. The song mentions how his dreams involve her in them.
In the novel Of Mice & Men, by John Steinbeck, Lennie and George’s relationship is not the most quintessential friendship. Though in the first part of the story it is not said that Lennie has any social disabilities, you can pick up the characteristic. George has a way with words, which affects Lennieーbut only within that moment. Steinbeck portrays both these characters very vividly; although he does not just flat out make a list describing each man, he shows each personality and relationship they hold.
Friendship is something everyone needs to survive. Without friends, there is no one to look to in times of need; no one to support you . In the novel Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, it is clear that George and Lennie are best friends who always stay together, even though their relationship is strained. But sometimes, friends must do what is best for the other. Due to this, it is clear that George was justified in killing Lennie at the end of the novel.