Of Mice And Men Friendship Analysis

Friendship is a Valuable Aspect of Life Lennie and George have a unique relationship in which both characters care for and essentially get along with each other. However, George acts as Lennie's guardian, guiding him and informing him of right and wrong. This type of relationship is displayed through many instances in the novel, making it evident how much Lennie relies on George. Without George, it seems as though Lennie would have difficulty making his own decisions. George is the dominant one in the relationship. George is smarter and has common sense, two things Lennie lacks. Therefore, George guides Lennie and directs/commands him on what to do and how to do it. For example, George advises Lennie that "...you ain't gonna say a word [to

Slim exclaims, "you hadda, George. I swear you hadda" (Steinbeck 107). Slim knows that killing Lennie would prove to be beneficial for George in the long run. George recognizes this himself, professing, "if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an' work, an' no trouble," thereby realizing Lennie could ruin his opportunities (Steinbeck 11). Obviously, killing someone is an awful thing to do, however, George just couldn't be there for Lennie in every situation, and by killing him, he will likely prevent any further trouble Lennie will cause or encounter. George will no longer have to be Lennie's caretaker. When considering the time of the novel, which is in the 1930s, the plight of the mentally challenged was not as sympathetic as in today's society. George tells Lennie that he will go to a place where "ever'body gonna be nice to you. Ain't gonna be no more trouble. Nobody gonna hurt nobody nor steal from 'em" (Steinbeck 106). George thinks that by killing Lennie, Lennie will go to heaven, a place where he won't have to worry about what he does or says, as opposed to being on the farm and causing