George: Guilty or Innocent?
Friendship, or a fraud? This is usually the question people ask when they feel betrayed by a close friend. Betrayal could never be forgiven. In John Steinbeck’s book Of Mice and Men, did George need to kill Lennie, or could it have been avoided? This action makes George look like he did not care for Lennie. Also, George is said to be harsh or mean to Lennie throughout the book. However, George cared for Lennie like he was family. George shows this through securing Lennie a job, taking care of him, and keeping Lennie safe. He only wanted the best for him. This is assured by making sure nothing would harm him. When Lennie says “If you don’ want me I can go off in the hills an’ find a cave. I can go away any time” (Steinbeck 12). When the topic is brought up, George immediately exclaims “No—look-! I was jus’ foolin’, Lennie. ‘Cause I want you to stay with me. Trouble with mice is you always kill ‘em. Tell you what I’ll do, Lennie. First chance I get I’ll give you a pup” (Steinbeck 13). As soon as Lennie threatens to leave, George knows Lennie would not be able to survive on his own. He immediately states that he wants Lennie to be with him. It is clearly shown through the evidence how George only wants the best for Lennie. This is even demonstrated with the reward of a new puppy. Even with Lennie’s new puppy, there are still many things George does to show his care …show more content…
With the supporting evidence, it is clear that George cared for Lennie like family. George helped Lennie all the way, from taking him under his wing to getting him a job, and finally giving him a peaceful end, filled with hopes and their biggest dreams. Lennie was treated with care, and was never alone. George was a good guardian, but one of the best friends a person could ever have. With George’s ultimate act of friendship, Lennie would finally be able to “live on the fatta the lan’.” (Steinbeck
Friendship, or a fraud? This is usually the question people ask when they feel betrayed by a close friend. Betrayal could never be forgiven. In John Steinbeck’s book Of Mice and Men, did George need to kill Lennie, or could it have been avoided? This action makes George look like he did not care for Lennie. Also, George is said to be harsh or mean to Lennie throughout the book. However, George cared for Lennie like he was family. George shows this through securing Lennie a job, taking care of him, and keeping Lennie safe. He only wanted the best for him. This is assured by making sure nothing would harm him. When Lennie says “If you don’ want me I can go off in the hills an’ find a cave. I can go away any time” (Steinbeck 12). When the topic is brought up, George immediately exclaims “No—look-! I was jus’ foolin’, Lennie. ‘Cause I want you to stay with me. Trouble with mice is you always kill ‘em. Tell you what I’ll do, Lennie. First chance I get I’ll give you a pup” (Steinbeck 13). As soon as Lennie threatens to leave, George knows Lennie would not be able to survive on his own. He immediately states that he wants Lennie to be with him. It is clearly shown through the evidence how George only wants the best for Lennie. This is even demonstrated with the reward of a new puppy. Even with Lennie’s new puppy, there are still many things George does to show his care …show more content…
With the supporting evidence, it is clear that George cared for Lennie like family. George helped Lennie all the way, from taking him under his wing to getting him a job, and finally giving him a peaceful end, filled with hopes and their biggest dreams. Lennie was treated with care, and was never alone. George was a good guardian, but one of the best friends a person could ever have. With George’s ultimate act of friendship, Lennie would finally be able to “live on the fatta the lan’.” (Steinbeck