George is an extremely complex protagonist; Steinbeck’s unique style and vulgar diction throughout the first chapter convolutes the reader’s feelings about George. George’s persona rapidly changes from one extreme to the other. On one hand, George appears abusive towards Lenny and repeatedly calls him a “crazy bastard” and a “crazy son of a bitch”, but George also claims that he would “go nuts” without Lenny and that he was “jus’ foolin’’ when he uttered all the cutting remarks (Steinbeck 4-13). George’s comments fully illustrate his ambivalence towards Lenny. The reader is unsure of George because George himself is uncertain of his feelings towards Lenny. He feels a strong sense of paternal duty to nurture Lenny and to help him overcome his …show more content…
Steinbeck utilizes Lenny’s complex relationship with George to fully portray George’s multifaceted identity. Ultimately, Lenny’s and George’s differing strengths combine to create a synergistic effect—Lenny employs his brawn so that the duo can advance through isolated and foreign terrain and George exercises his superior intellect to craft a plan allowing the pair to receive employment. Together, they make a strong team, but George appears offensive and disrespectful towards Lenny because George permits his emotions to cloud his rational judgment. Against his better judgment, George spews vitriol at Lenny whenever Lenny hinders him due to his lack of restraint and self-control, making George seem heartless and obscene. Surviving the environment and finding employment drive George to not consider Lenny’s emotions when speaking; George only focuses on his immediate goals. Often times, George simply attempts to protect Lenny from the world and watch out for him but George’s demeanor and word choice cause his comments to demoralize Lenny. George wanted to save Lenny from contracting infectious diseases when Lenny pocketed the dead mouse, but once again, George’s dialect impeded