Isn’t it odd how relationships can drastically different than how we first perceive them? This is precisely the situation between the two characters, Lennie and George, in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Although George initially appears to be Lennie's companion, as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that George is much more like a parent. George will often direct Lennie on how to act, treat him similarly to a child, and is undeniably defensive of him.
As seen throughout the novella, George is constantly directing Lennie on what to say and how to act. This is illustrated by the scene when the two men are travelling to Soledad. As they're speaking about where they're going, George tells Lennie, "Now, look—I'll give him the work tickets, …show more content…
This is a fact shown to be true in the way George treats him. This is exemplified by how George acts after yelling at Lennie. When Lennie begins to cry, George tries to console him saying, "'Aw, Lennie!' George put his hand on Lennie’s shoulder. 'I ain’t takin’ it away jus’ for meanness. That mouse ain’t fresh, Lennie; and besides, you’ve broke it pettin’ it. You get another mouse that’s fresh and I’ll let you keep it a little while' (9)". In this scene, George both berates and attempts to soothe Lennie to prevent him from endangering himself. Moreover, later that night, Lennie pleads for George to tell him about their dream. George caves and begins with, "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don't belong no place. They come to a ranch an' work up a stake and then they go into town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they're poundin' their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to (13-14)". The novella states that George says this line in a rhythmic tone. The implication is made that he says it often, almost akin to a bedtime story. In general, it appears as if George treats Lennie the same way one would treat a toddler or young …show more content…
For instance, when they meet the boss of the ranch. Initially, the boss believes that George is attempting to get Lennie hired so that George can take Lennie's pay. After George refutes this, the boss questions why he's trying to get Lennie hired. George replies, "He's my... cousin. I told his old lady I'd take care of him. He got kicked in the head by a horse when he was a kid. He's awright. Just ain't bright. But he can do anything you tell him (22)". George lies about their relationship to believably explain why they travel together. Furthermore, George does something similar with Curley when they first meet him. While antagonizing Lennie, Curley asks why George is involving himself, resulting in this exchange. "'We travel together,' said George coldly. 'Oh, so it's that way.' George was tense, and motionless. 'Yeah, it's that way' (25)". Curley, likely in an attempt to cause a fight, is implying that George and Lennie are in a romantic relationship. During the time period, this is something that is both illegal and looked down upon. George blatantly ignores the accusation in favour of reaffirming his relationship with Lennie. To rephrase, George's protective nature for Lennie is apparent throughout the course of the
As seen throughout the novella, George is constantly directing Lennie on what to say and how to act. This is illustrated by the scene when the two men are travelling to Soledad. As they're speaking about where they're going, George tells Lennie, "Now, look—I'll give him the work tickets, …show more content…
This is a fact shown to be true in the way George treats him. This is exemplified by how George acts after yelling at Lennie. When Lennie begins to cry, George tries to console him saying, "'Aw, Lennie!' George put his hand on Lennie’s shoulder. 'I ain’t takin’ it away jus’ for meanness. That mouse ain’t fresh, Lennie; and besides, you’ve broke it pettin’ it. You get another mouse that’s fresh and I’ll let you keep it a little while' (9)". In this scene, George both berates and attempts to soothe Lennie to prevent him from endangering himself. Moreover, later that night, Lennie pleads for George to tell him about their dream. George caves and begins with, "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don't belong no place. They come to a ranch an' work up a stake and then they go into town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they're poundin' their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to (13-14)". The novella states that George says this line in a rhythmic tone. The implication is made that he says it often, almost akin to a bedtime story. In general, it appears as if George treats Lennie the same way one would treat a toddler or young …show more content…
For instance, when they meet the boss of the ranch. Initially, the boss believes that George is attempting to get Lennie hired so that George can take Lennie's pay. After George refutes this, the boss questions why he's trying to get Lennie hired. George replies, "He's my... cousin. I told his old lady I'd take care of him. He got kicked in the head by a horse when he was a kid. He's awright. Just ain't bright. But he can do anything you tell him (22)". George lies about their relationship to believably explain why they travel together. Furthermore, George does something similar with Curley when they first meet him. While antagonizing Lennie, Curley asks why George is involving himself, resulting in this exchange. "'We travel together,' said George coldly. 'Oh, so it's that way.' George was tense, and motionless. 'Yeah, it's that way' (25)". Curley, likely in an attempt to cause a fight, is implying that George and Lennie are in a romantic relationship. During the time period, this is something that is both illegal and looked down upon. George blatantly ignores the accusation in favour of reaffirming his relationship with Lennie. To rephrase, George's protective nature for Lennie is apparent throughout the course of the