Responsibility In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men: An Analysis

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How does one play out the role of “moral responsibility”? Is it by stepping up and becoming the authoritative figure in a situation lacking one? Is it caring for and doing what is right for one that you look after? Or is it even putting the other person first and doing the unthinkable just because it is the right thing to do? To observe these aspects in context, it is necessary to dissect the relationship of two ranch workers, Lennie Small and George Milton, in the novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Taking place in the 1930’s around the time of the Great Depression, Steinbeck fashions a story following the relationship of George and Lennie as they work towards achieving the goals they have set forth. Through this journey, the theme of moral responsibility is highlighted by George’s willingness to care for Lennie even though he is an unnecessary burden, his capacity to defend Lennie in tough situations, and his ability to do the right thing however difficult it may present itself to be.
To begin, one example from the novella where George’s moral responsibility
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Through the theme of moral responsibility, he shows the reader how doing the right thing is not always easy, however it is necessary in order to help oneself and others. George’s willingness to deal with Lennie, they way he defends and protects him from harm, and his ability to do what is necessary for Lennie’s health even though it is difficult, are just three ways that moral responsibility is demonstrated best within the story. Therefore, that is how Steinbeck epitomizes moral responsibility throughout the text and how one can learn that doing what is right might not always be the easiest thing to do, but in the long run it will always bring greater results than taking the simple

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