Built Upon Friendships In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Built Upon Friendships
Dr. Holt-Lunstad, a Professor of Psychology at Brigham University conducted a study revealing that loneliness increases the chance of an early death by 50 percent. The possession of a companion, not only allows one to feel engaged, but also allows them to have an opinion and different perspective. Some of these ideas assist a person's survival and growth. In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, George Milton and Lennie Small move to a ranch in order to begin a new life. Throughout the novel, their friendship strengthens as they persist through each other's shortcomings. Their opposing personalities create obstacles, however, each task only allows their bond to become stronger, allowing them to face their hardships. Characters …show more content…

He has a constant dependency and attachment on George and needs him to sustain himself. Whenever Lennie gets himself stuck in a situation, he does not react or have any idea of what to do without George. For example, due to his large size, he gets into several arguments with Curley, a small man on the ranch. During his first argument, Curley threatens to fight him, fearing Lennie. Lennie realizes what to do only when George advises him to stay away, "‘Look, Lennie! … I'm scared. You gonna have trouble with that Curley guy. I seen that kinda feelin' you out. He's figured he's got you scared and he's gonna take a sock at you the first chance he gets,'" (Steinbeck 29). George discusses what he should do if he gets himself into trouble with Curley, depicting Lennie's longing for his assistance. If George had not told Lennie to stay away, he would have gotten himself into more unnecessary trouble than he had. This scenario links with survival since Lennie's need for George's support helps him function and get himself out of trouble. Without Lennie's friendship with George, he would find it extremely difficult to function in his