The Purpose of Life
Friendship is one of the most important elements of life itself. In a way, friendship gives people a purpose, however it is difficult to understand. This idea is evident in the book Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck. This book follows the lives of George and Lennie, who are trying to find work on a ranch so that they can live out their dream of buying their own ranch. Unfortunately, they encounter multiple hiccups on their journey, due to Lennie's mental disability. This story takes the reader through all of the ups and downs of George and Lennie's friendship, until one of them must make the ultimate sacrifice. George and Lennie show that friends not only make each other vulnerable, but they also give people a purpose in
…show more content…
In the article Friendship in an Age of Economics, Todd May explains that, “If we are to have friends, then we must be willing to approach some among our relationships as offering an invitation to build something outside the scope of our own desires”. This is huge when it comes to George and Lennie. When angry, George often points out that he could be very successful without Lennie. He describes in great detail how great his life could be if he only had to worry about himself. He could spend all of his money on cat houses. Yet he’s still right by Lennie’s side, chasing a dream he has for both of them. He put his own desires to the side for a friend. That is what true friendship really consists of.
George and Lennie’s friendship is very strong, even if they have struggles every once in a while. Despite the fact that Lennie and George render each other weak, they also build each other right back up. Every time they get angry with each other, they are both quick to apologize. The bottom line is that they need each other. This is similar to real life. People must be able to get through the ups and the downs, but nobody can do it alone.
Works Cited
May, Tom. “Friendship in an Age of Economics.” New York Times 4th July 2010, https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/friendship-in-an-age-of-economics/
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Books,