Friendship In John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice And Men'

Adreanna Bresee

Mrs.Repko and Mrs.Stapp

English I/CP

22 February 2023

What Makes a True Friend What does it take to be a good friend? It takes determination, being able to care for others, and the willingness to go above and beyond for them, even if it means hurting them. These character traits are greatly represented by George in the novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinback. George’s characterization and internal conflict illustrate how friendship sometimes means a person has to make tough decisions. Although, at times, George seems to talk down to Lennie it’s evident that they share a deep connection. Near the beginning of the story George says ‘“ I want you to stay with me, Lennie. Jesus Christ, somebody’d shoot you for a coyote if you

Alone, however, George’s thoughts are focused more on himself. The text states “‘If I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an’ work, an’ no trouble. No mess’ all, and when the end of the month come I coul’ take my fifty bucks and go into town and get whatever I want…’”(Steinbeck 12) This evidence proves that George is going through an internal struggle because he feels weighed down by Lennie’s presence, but he would rather suffer silently than abandon his friend. George would gladly go into town and shop or mingle with the locals, however, he feels he is unable to because of how Lennie

George is by no means a perfect person. He’s flawed just like everyone else. According to oMaM George states, “‘I wish’t I could put you in a cage with about a million mice an’ let you have fun.”’ As previously mentioned George is demeaning Lennie due to his internal struggles with their friendship. Over the course of the story George has spoken to Lennie in a passive aggressive manner. He’s not outwardly being mean to Lennie but he isn’t being as nice as he should be. Furthermore, at one point George says “‘No, Lennie. I ain’t mad. I never been mad, an’ I ain’t now. That’s a thing I want you to know.”’ Through ups and downs George has stood beside Lennie. Sometimes it wasn’t the easiest thing to do but George cared for his friend and wanted to help him the best that he could.

Moreover, at the climax of the story George is pushed to resolve his conflict towards Lennie. Of Mice and Men states ‘“But George sat stify on the bank and looked at his right