George and Lennie, The two main characters of John Steinbeck 's novella Of Mice and Men, are seen as friends because of the companionship they provide each other throughout the story. Despite one of the overall themes of friendship in Steinbeck 's work, I hold the theme of loneliness to a higher regard when I consider the events between the two characters. I am willing to argue that George did not genuinely act as good friend to Lennie. In addition to the cruel ways George treated Lennie, the situations presented in the novella where George is actually considerate to his feelings are still not sufficient examples of true friendship. Moreover, implications can be made that suggest George had a rather sinister view of his relationship with Lennie.
…show more content…
George shows that he has no real concern for Lennie’s immediate feelings by frequently calling him hurtful names and insulting him directly. George exaggerates to Lennie in context when he tells him “If I was a relative of yours, I’d shoot myself.” (Steinbeck page 24). One of the most immoral event of the novella was referenced in George 's conversation with Slim (a respected ranch worker) where George explained Lennie 's ability to be manipulated. He recalled the time he had told Lennie to jump in the Sacramento River when he was not able to swim. He continued to explain to Slim that in the past he played several jokes on Lennie. Jokes that were outright cruel in reality. George stated that even before this incident he used to “have a hell of a lot of fun with ‘im.” (Steinbeck page 40). Remarks like this not only represent George 's lack of friendly behaviour, but also illustrate his lack of consideration and his ignorance for Lennie’s mental condition. Although it is still not known what exact disability Lennie suffered from, George would 've still had the sense to understand that he wasn 't mentally stable or …show more content…
Those on the other side may say that, as his guardian and companion, George often decided what was best for Lennie. However this argument lacks justification for the fact that George often never gave Lennie other options because he never attempted to educate him or clearly inform him of logical decisions. Although some readers might recognise this attempt to be futile when accounting for Lennie 's mental disability, it doesn 't defend the fact that George was not aware of Lennie 's inability to absorb knowledge or direction. This significantly dictates the plot of the story because after a series of accidents which Lennie commits, George 's humane morality, which I had previously mentioned, is brought to it 's limit. This is apparent because in the last event of the novella George decides to shoot Lennie along the
George shows that he has no real concern for Lennie’s immediate feelings by frequently calling him hurtful names and insulting him directly. George exaggerates to Lennie in context when he tells him “If I was a relative of yours, I’d shoot myself.” (Steinbeck page 24). One of the most immoral event of the novella was referenced in George 's conversation with Slim (a respected ranch worker) where George explained Lennie 's ability to be manipulated. He recalled the time he had told Lennie to jump in the Sacramento River when he was not able to swim. He continued to explain to Slim that in the past he played several jokes on Lennie. Jokes that were outright cruel in reality. George stated that even before this incident he used to “have a hell of a lot of fun with ‘im.” (Steinbeck page 40). Remarks like this not only represent George 's lack of friendly behaviour, but also illustrate his lack of consideration and his ignorance for Lennie’s mental condition. Although it is still not known what exact disability Lennie suffered from, George would 've still had the sense to understand that he wasn 't mentally stable or …show more content…
Those on the other side may say that, as his guardian and companion, George often decided what was best for Lennie. However this argument lacks justification for the fact that George often never gave Lennie other options because he never attempted to educate him or clearly inform him of logical decisions. Although some readers might recognise this attempt to be futile when accounting for Lennie 's mental disability, it doesn 't defend the fact that George was not aware of Lennie 's inability to absorb knowledge or direction. This significantly dictates the plot of the story because after a series of accidents which Lennie commits, George 's humane morality, which I had previously mentioned, is brought to it 's limit. This is apparent because in the last event of the novella George decides to shoot Lennie along the