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

In John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, friendship is a big part of the main story. The novel revolves around the story of two men, George and Lennie, who are best friends. Lennie is mentally ill and George helps him to get by in life. George often tells Lennie "God a'mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an' work, an' no trouble" (Steinbeck 7). Even though George knows this is true, he doesn't want to live without Lennie. Without Lennie, George would be lonely. George and Lennie always have each others back, that's the great thing about friendship and why it's so important. Friendship is the key to getting by in life, without a friend people become lonely and isolated. Friends help each other out, lift each other up and in the end, they do whatever it takes to do the best for their friends, even if it's hard, just like George had to do for Lennie at the end of this story.

Characters like Lennie and George for instance, have a more positive outlook on life than characters like Crooks and Candy who do not have anyone. George and Lennie take care of each other and Steinbeck makes that very clear. Several times throughout this novel, Lennie or George one will say "I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you" (Steinbeck 2). They know that no matter what happens to them, the other one is going to be there and take care of them. This friendship requires George to be patient and understanding with Lennie and it requires Lennie to be able to listen and respect George. Despite George and Lennie's numerous differences, they each benefit from their friendship. They watch out for each other, protect each other, and love each