The relationship between the astute yet short-tempered George Milton and the mentally disabled but good-intentioned Lennie Small is an important aspect in Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men. Their relationship is one of commitment and dependence, as Lennie requires a steady hand like Georges to guide him. But with their association, there also lies few advantages, especially for migrant farmers like themselves. To understand the relationship between George and Lennie, one must understand their occupation, migrant farmers, and the advantages that come with Lennie and his disability. First and foremost, a prime aspect of the relationship between George and Lennie is their lifestyle as migrant farmers. Background information on migrant farmers
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Lennie is technically an asset to George. Lennie keeps them isolated from the others, so they do not get attached, he is always an excuse to pick up and leave, and his strength makes their team look more appealing to employers. Although it is not directly stated in the book, it is evident to see that Lennie bears some sort of mental disability despite not being formally diagnosed with one. Lennie’s disability can be tough on George, throw him in the face of hardship, it does have its benefits. For instance, as they travel throughout the book they try to isolate themselves, only rely on each other. Even though most people during this time often travel alone they know it is best for them to stick together. “Well, I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. I just like to know what your interest it,” (Steinbeck 22). This quote shows just how much they stick together, how their strengths collide. It also shows how close they are, that George always goes through so much trouble to help out Lennie. Sure it is not what he wants to be doing, but nonetheless, George does it. Without Lennie, without a factor like his strength to offer, it would make obtaining a job for George much harder. After this George makes up some excuse, trying not to spill the secret he holds of Lennie being mentally handicapped. By doing this he distances himself from all the other workers at the ranch. From this, it also makes it much easier for them to pack up and leave at a moments notice should things start to go horrifically. It is like having no strings attached. The less they affiliate with, the easier those people are to leave behind. While Lennie can also be a setback, he also helps. While Lennie clearly is not the least bit intelligence, his strength is unrivaled, which definitely helps the two of them win jobs over other candidates. “A severe drought that began in 1931 meant that
Lennie is technically an asset to George. Lennie keeps them isolated from the others, so they do not get attached, he is always an excuse to pick up and leave, and his strength makes their team look more appealing to employers. Although it is not directly stated in the book, it is evident to see that Lennie bears some sort of mental disability despite not being formally diagnosed with one. Lennie’s disability can be tough on George, throw him in the face of hardship, it does have its benefits. For instance, as they travel throughout the book they try to isolate themselves, only rely on each other. Even though most people during this time often travel alone they know it is best for them to stick together. “Well, I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. I just like to know what your interest it,” (Steinbeck 22). This quote shows just how much they stick together, how their strengths collide. It also shows how close they are, that George always goes through so much trouble to help out Lennie. Sure it is not what he wants to be doing, but nonetheless, George does it. Without Lennie, without a factor like his strength to offer, it would make obtaining a job for George much harder. After this George makes up some excuse, trying not to spill the secret he holds of Lennie being mentally handicapped. By doing this he distances himself from all the other workers at the ranch. From this, it also makes it much easier for them to pack up and leave at a moments notice should things start to go horrifically. It is like having no strings attached. The less they affiliate with, the easier those people are to leave behind. While Lennie can also be a setback, he also helps. While Lennie clearly is not the least bit intelligence, his strength is unrivaled, which definitely helps the two of them win jobs over other candidates. “A severe drought that began in 1931 meant that