Lennie Friendship

Of Mice and Men is a novel by John Steinbeck, set in northern California during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. In the novel, the two main characters George and Lennie are set apart from the others with their strong bond and willingness to stay together. Due to their connection, others are jealous of them. Sadly, the inevitable occurs, and a life changing decision is made, disconnecting their friendship. Through the characters George and Lennie, readers learn how friendships provide hope through hard times. It is shown early in the novella that George and Lennie are fortunate to have each other. With them both being migrant workers, it is odd for them to be so close. When Lennie is in the barn with Crooks, the lonely black stable buck,

Lennie is in the barn when Curley’s wife tries to start a conversation. Curley’s wife, who is the only woman on the ranch, seeks entertainment by being around the other men. She is also married to Curley, a shorter, tough and egotistical guy. Curley is also the son of the ranch owner, enabling him to get away with almost anything. Lennie first realizes he will get in it trouble for talking to her, and says “I ain’t supposed to talk to you or nothing” (Steinbeck 86). But Lennie soon gets drawn in by the appeals of Curley’s wife. Their conversation ends badly with Lennie breaking her neck. While the ranch workers gather to find and kill Lennie, he retreats to the brush that George told him to go to if he got in trouble. George attempts to persuade them to not go and hunt Lennie down, but his efforts don’t work. Curley then states “I’m gonna shoot the guts out of that bastard myself” (Steinbeck 98). George then realizes that Curley wants Lennie to die a slow painful death. However, George decides it is best if he kills Lennie himself, even if it will be difficult to end the life of his best friend. George saves Lennie lots of pain by making his death short, with one blow to the back of the head. Lennie dies believing that their dream of owning a farm will be granted, hopeful that they will one day “live on the fatta the lan’”( Steinbeck 105). George and Lennie’s dream of one day owning their own farm and having a place they can call home keeps them connected and gives them hope that one day they will achieve their dreams. The readers see that George makes a decision that ultimately was one for the greater good, one where Lennie dies a peaceful death. The characters, George and Lennie show that in tough times, friendship has the power to give hope. The presence of their bond leaves readers thinking about what friendship really means, and how it affects others. Steinbeck’s novel gets readers