Friendship In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’, set in the 1930s during the ‘Great Depression’, showcases what life was like for itinerant ranch workers back then when economic depression, poverty and social inequalities conquered America. It was during this time that alongside the ‘American Dream’, the existence of friendship had started to become questionable. Steinbeck, in his novella, uses various characters to emphasise the dire need of a companion in every aspect of an ordinary person’s life. Friendship is a necessity of life according to Steinbeck and as important as shelter is especially as it was during the 1930s. Steinbeck also explicates how his diverse characters are affected when they live with or without Friendship; the presence or absence, of

Despite the fact that “...he was more permanent than the other men...” (P.65 l.18-19), he still “reduced himself to nothing” (P.79 l.3) when Curley’s wife threatens him. The use of the word ‘permanent’ indicates that Crooks is more of a firm man than the others thought and that he is underestimated in his abilities which reinforces the falseness of the perception of ‘coloured’ people being useless. The word ‘reduced’ creates an image of a fearful man making an attempt to protect himself from the more powerful (Curley’s wife). Furthermore, Crooks is portrayed as being ‘nothing’ before Curley’s wife and having no importance. This is due to the absence of friendship because Crooks is well aware he has no one to support him if he stands up against Curley’s wife and he alone can barely prove to be any harm to Curley’s wife. The reader, also realises this is the first time Crooks stands up to protect himself and his new friends which shows that the presence of this new friendship has brought up confidence in

Their relationship is deemed unusual as they have each other to look after them unlike the other ranch workers which emphasises how prominently odd it was at the ranch for George and Lennie to prove their friendship. Within the introductory chapter, the reader realises that George and Lennie are “A few miles south of Soledad” (P.3 l.1), which tells the reader that George and Lennie are close to ‘Soledad’, literally meaning solitude. It foreshadows the ending of the novella when George is left alone because initially they, themselves, walked towards solitude. Additionally, George and Lennie’s friendship is based on protection especially for Lennie because “He ain’t bright.” (P.34 l.25) enough to look after himself. The phrase ‘ain’t bright’ creates an image of darkness meaning the dull side of Lennie is that he is dull-witted. In this case friendship is portrayed as a relationship of innocence and