The Theme Of Friendship In Of Mice And Men

Hitzel Rodriguez

Mrs. Perry

Language Arts

23 May 2023

Friendship

A friend can be defined in many different ways; it can be someone you have been close to for years or could be someone you just met. They could be someone you bond with over a specific activity or a friend you made in class or at work. Regardless, a friend is considered someone you can trust and share life experiences with, sometimes sharing values and beliefs. A person considered a friend will stick with their person in any situation good or bad. In the novel "Of Mice and Men," John Steinbeck specifically describes friendship as reassurance in a rough environment, showing how the presence of another character can offer company, protection, and sacrifices along the way.

George

companionship avoids social isolation, maintains social skills, increases a sense of purpose, stimulates positive thoughts, and gives emotional balance which brings about the enjoyment of life. During George’s and Lennie’s journey, we see their companionship isn't as bad as it may seem. It can be assumed that George has no interest in Lennie, and it can also be suspected that he may not like Lennie at all because of his actions toward the man. Even so, George admits that he does enjoy Lennie's company. He talks to Slim and says how he doesn't have a family. He explains: “I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good. They don’t have no fun. After a long, they get mean. They get wantin’ to fight all the time. . . ‘Course Lennie’s a… nuisance most of the time, but you get used to goin’ around with a guy an’ you can’t get rid of him” (P.g 41 Steinbeck). He has his own way of saying he likes Lennie. Making sure not to give himself away to Slim, he doesn't seem to want to look weak to the other men, he wants Slim to know that Lennie is his friend and that he enjoys having him around giving him slight hints and slowly opening up to Slim. Slim sees this and can tell they are a unique

The feeling of protection that lies between two people is crucial in a relationship. In the novel, Steinbeck uses more of George and Lennie’s relationship to represent the protective behavior that comes with a friendship. From the beginning of the novel, it has been seen that George does care for Lennie. Although he can be rough with Lennie at times he does care a lot about him. In the beginning, we see the two men walking down to the side of the Salinas River, Lennie leans in towards the turbulent water and takes a big gulp of it. George, not being far off sees this and scolds Lennie for being careless “ You never oughta drink water when it ain’t runnin’. ” (P.g. 3 Steinbeck) George does not want Lennie to get sick, earlier in the book he mentions that Lennie had gotten sick the previous night and he didnt want him to get sick again. Even tho Geroge is often protesting against life with Lennie, he never leaves his side or leaves his commitment to protecting his friend. Later in the book, we see Slim talking to George about how Lennie is not normal because of the way he behaves. Slim calls Lennie a “Cuckoo” (P.g. 39 Steinbeck) George is not happy about slims comment and responds by saying “ He ain’t no cuckoo…He’s dumb as hell, but he ain’t crazy. An’ I ain’t so bright neither, or I wouldn’t be buckin’ barley for my fifty and found.” (P.g 39 Steinbeck). George insulted himself while defending Lennie, this says a lot