Companionship In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Among the principal aspects of human nature is that to seek companionship; it’s what sets us apart from the beasts of the world, acting for the best of others even when personal gain may be notably absent. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, depicts the plight of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Smalls, as they struggle through the 1930’s Great Depression working on a ranch. Throughout the novel, George and Lennie encounter challenges that test their friendship, and the goals they set for themselves. Among analyses of the novel, a common discussion is if George finishes the novel as a hero, or a simple commoner, another victim of the Great Depression. Despite criticism of George for his manipulation of Lennie and his eventual murder of his friend, George is a hero because of the companionship he provides and creates at …show more content…
This grants more insight into George’s ordinary world, with the pair working in towns, only to have to flee due to Lennie’s actions. Despite these difficulties, George and Lennie share what other migrant workers can only dream of, a bond deeper than friendship. Lennie is ecstatic when he and George describe this bond: “But not us! An’ why? Because… because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why”(14). Although it was already shown that George cares for Lennie, the opposing aspect was not introduced; in the same way George cares for Lennie, Lennie cares for George. In a seemingly illogical reasoning, one can liken this to the love and care children give unto their parents, reminding them of the important values in life, in love and compassion. Consequently, their call to adventure in working on the ranch presents them with challenges, but gives an opportunity for the pair to gain their “stake”, a plot of land to live