In the opening section of the novella, Steinbeck wishes to portray the relationship between George and Lennie as 'leader' and 'follower'. Steinbeck highlights that 'they walked in single file' down the narrow path and when they came into the open, 'one stayed behind the other'; which immediately indicates that George is dominant in this relationship, therefore Lennie is somewhat irresponsible, dependent and incapable of looking after himself. This image illustrates that George acts as a parental figure and Lennie is similar to a shy child hiding behind a father. Furthermore, in Chapter 2 this idea is developed when George also carries Lennie's work card, knowing that Lennie would lose it if he was responsible for it "Think I'd let you carry your own work card?". This quote shows how George acts as a parental figure for Lennie; George must look after Lennie's important possessions, as George knows that he will just lose them because of his simple-mindedness. The rhetorical question also shows George's frustration with Lennie's small mental capacity as he is always creating problems. Also, when we are first introduced to Lennie and George, the main physical differences between them are highlighted. Lennie is "huge", " shapeless of face" and often dehumanized …show more content…
Yet now, the dream is fragmented, separated with the use of ellipses, 'You...an' me.' This punctuational technique symbolizes the loss and feebleness of the dream, as well as George's despair of having to kill Lennie to save him from the oncoming lynch mob. Now, it's no longer a chore for George; he wants to take it slow and let Lennie enjoy it fully before he dies, it truly reflects that George needs Lennie just as much as he needs him. Overall the reader would sympathize for both of them, because we can understand that George only did this for Lennie's benefit, and despite their disputes; they cared about each other very