Of Mice And Men Companionship Analysis

Throughout the early 1930’s, Steinbeck’s characters were in search of a better life. They believed that they would achieve freedom from their nomadic lifestyles in America. Unfortunately, after the Wall Street crash of 1929 many of them lost their dream once the Great Depression began. To make matters worse, the increased farming activity and the 7 year drought which began in 1931 created the Dust Bowl in the Great Plain States. During this time, many people traveled to California in search of jobs and an easier life. George and Lennie, one of the many migrant workers, had a dream of one day owning their own property, but with a turn of events they lose their chance at this dream and end up alone and devastated. However, George and Lennie’s compassion for each other manages to override the story’s dark mood. In his book Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck suggests that companionship is paramount to living a good life. Steinbeck chooses to reveal this theme through his characters Curley, Crooks, George and Lennie.
In the beginning of the story, George talks about the men who go around the ranches alone and angry. “I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good. They don’t have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They

‘“...I got you. We got each other, that’s what gives a hoot in hell about us,’ Lennie cried in triumph”’ (Steinbeck 104). Lennie says this in triumph because their friendship makes them winners. George and Lennie are best friends for more than just Lennie’s disability. George cares for Lennie and in return Lennie gives him unconditional love. They have their friendship rooted in their dream. Steinbeck shows the importance of this dream when Lennie, George, and Candy talk about their plan inside the bunkhouse. “ (insert quote here)” (Steinbeck ). This dream keeps their friendship intact and gives them hope for a better