In the novel, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck illustrates a father- son relationship between the two main characters, George Milton and Lennie Smalls, which leads to further conflicts for the two. Steinbeck describes the relationship between George and Lennie as they are walking to the new ranch at Soledad. Immediately George is developed as the overseer for Lennie. When the two stop by a short clearing, George tells Lennie “not to drink so much,” because he will “be sick like [he] was the last night.” (Steinbeck 3) This quote demonstrates the willingness of George to care and look after Lennie. Steinbeck also helps to develop the relationship between the two through the use of setting and the time period. George and Lennie are two farm …show more content…
Right from the beginning, it is evident that Lennie has some type of mental disability, and that he is totally dependent on his friend Lennie. The total dependence on George, helps portray Lennie as a child- like character. Lennie needs to be constantly reminded by George on what to do and what not to do. George even tells Lennie that if he gets in any trouble to “to come right here and hide in the brush.” (Steinbeck 15) Steinbeck also illustrates George’s double feelings towards Lennie. He explains the compassionate side of George, while also demonstrating George’s discontent with taking care of Lennie. George expresses to Lennie that he would be better off if he didn’t have to always look after Lennie and bail him out of trouble. However, when George thinks of the dream the two share of one day owning their own farm, he cannot help forgiving Lennie. The idea of this dream becomes very important in the development of their relationship. Overall, the relationship the two share is a unique one, whereas they both make up for what the other one seems to lack, which gets the two through difficult times presented to them in their