Empathy In Of Mice And Men

As a child, parents tend to tell their children stories on how to have great morals, and how to show empathy towards others. The novella, “Of Mice And Men”, communicates a larger understanding of how to have great virtues and morals to a mature audience, and tells a great story at the same time. Being virtuous is a key component of life and virtuous behavior usually leads to a better, healthier, and more fulfilling life. “Of Mice and Men” leads the reader toward the virtue of empathy as shown through various characters with different backgrounds. The book does a great job of convincing the reader to feel empathy for fictional characters throughout the novella. “Of Mice and Men” guides us towards a feeling of empathy and compassion through

George, an intelligent, short-tempered, small, sharp-featured guy, takes Lennie, a big, mentally changed, and slow guy, under his wing. Throughout the novella, George acts like a big brother and father figure to Lennie. Constantly making sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes or do any more “bad things.” Early in the novella when Lennie is reminiscing about a lady who gave him the mice she caught, George states, “Lady, huh? Don’t even remember who that lady was. That was your own Aunt Clara.” (Steinbeck 9). One can easily conclude that George feels empathy towards Lennie for not remembering his Aunt. This is similar to how a father loves his son, George wants the best for Lennie and doesn’t want him to forget those he loved. Later in the novella, George mentions Aunt Clara once again, (insert the one quote here) While George is tasked with the duty to look after Lennie, he feels like he must not let Aunt Clara down. As their relationship grows and develops, George and Lennie depend on each other even more as one advances through the novella, and ideas of empathy, companionship, and compassion become more

From “Norms and Nobility” by David Hicks, “A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and comprehensively.” (Hicks 41). By Hick’s logic, one can live a virtuous life but one must be aware and empathetic toward other’s situations. Though some books, empathy and compassion can be perceived as a child’s lesson, “Of Mice and Men'' shows a brilliant explanation of empathy and compassion to an older eye. However, beware of those who seem mean and sinful, they may be covering a deep wound, and you should still treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect. Also be on alert for those who seem dumb and slow, for they may be less fortunate than you. Both Lennie and Curley's wife have their own needs and frustrations, however it is important to be virtuous and empathetic can lead one toward maybe a place for those who are good. That place could be high in the Heavens or down on earth living on a remote farm, being your boss while you tend the rabbits, or staring in the latest picture, living in Hollywood. Whatever that end place depends on the journey you took to get there and the virtuous life you