How Does Steinbeck Present The Theme Of Friendship In Of Mice And Men

In the novella “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, the author’s intended message on the subject of male friendship is that friendship is a way in which we connect with others to prevent loneliness. We all need friends we can closely relate to. This is demonstrated through the character Lennie, by him trying to be friends with Crooks. Steinbeck uses the characters to display the theme of male friendship with Lennie not knowing any better, and he tries to be friends with Crooks. Crooks is black, and he is not wanted in the bunkhouse, but Lennie does not understand why. Lennie tries to push himself into a friendship where it is unacceptable. Crooks is supposed to be separated from other men because he is black and they are white, but Lennie does not understand. He does not know the difference in skin color, because they all have the same blood. Once Crooks realizes that Lennie is harmless, he gets used to him trying to be friends with him. Steinbeck also uses George and Lennie to …show more content…
They are portrayed as using predatory humanity because they have problems with getting along with each other. They always seem to have some kind of arguments with someone among them. They all also portray the theme of struggles with the American dream, because they all want something, but they doubt they will achieve their dreams, and they doubt each other. George and Lennie want a place of their own, but the others laugh at them because they know and have seen others along the way that wanted that same dream, but never accomplished it; it always remained a dream. Crooks, Lennie, and Curley’s wife, dream to be accepted even though they are different from the others. They want freedom because they are tired and lonely, and want to see what is beyond the walls of the ranch. They want a better life, and they want their American dreams to come