The Role Of Companionship In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

In John Steinbeck´s Of Mice and Men, the ideas of companionship and friendship are addressed greatly. George and Lennie are companions who have traveled alongside each other for a long time. They have to keep moving because Lennie causes trouble, and essentially strains their relationship. Although they have issues, they have a deep connection which benefits each of them. Steinbeck´s Of Mice and Men uses motifs and characterization to show that companionship is beneficial to individuals.

Steinbeck uses motifs of animals as archetypes and to show that people crave companionship and are meant to be around others. Lennie´s character is often compared to animals who often live with other animals instead of by themselves.¨Slowly, like a terrier

George´s character knows he would have an easier time without Lennie but he sticks with him anyway, showing that companionship is worth the hardships. ¨’...if I was alone I could live so easy...no mess at all…’ George went on furiously. ‘I got you!...You get in trouble…I was jus’ foolin’, Lennie. ‘Cause I want you to stay with me”(12,14). The author uses the word “furiously” to show how angry George is that Lennie makes his life so hard. Then George claims he was just “foolin’” because he really does care about Lennie and he got carried away with what he was saying. He wants Lennie to be his companion. Lennie’s character is compared to a baby, they both require a lot of care by someone who is willing to take their good times with their bad. First, George says, “Blubberin’ like a baby!”(10). Then later, Curley’s wife is talking to Lennie, “But you’re kinda a nice fella. Jus’ like a big baby”(99). The author says Lennie is like a “baby” because Lennie needs to be cared for by a companion like a baby. He needs someone to look after him like someone would look after a baby. A companion is essential to Lennie because without one, he would have died, like a baby would have. Candy’s character is one who represents the want for a companion, even though companionship can end in heartbreak. Carlson told Candy that he needs to shoot his dog, his loyal companion, “‘I’m so used to him,’ he said softly. ‘I had him from a pup…’”(50). Everyone leaves to find Lennie while Candy stays with Curley’s wife, “Old Candy lay down in the hay and covered his eyes with his arm”(108). The words “used to” are significant because it shows how Candy doesn’t know what it’s like to be without his dog, his companion, because he has had him for so long. Then, Candy is referred to as “old,” and he lays down. Candy is old and tired. He just wants a companion, and he is tired