In his novel, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck portrays the theme of responsibility through his two main characters George and Lennie. Responsibility is known as the state or fact of having to deal with something or having control over someone. This theme plays a huge role in the development of the story. Steinbeck uses George as a keeper over Lennie. Steinbeck uses the goodness of George’s heart to look after Lennie and seek out a good life with his best friend throughout the story. In, Of Mice and Men, there is little background information known about Lennie Small. Steinbeck mentions Lennie living with his Aunt Clara. Although not much information is presented about her, she entrusts Lennie to George which then leads to the theme of responsibility.
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George is aware that Lennie has no one. Before Lennie’s Aunt Clara died she told George to take care of Lennie. Lennie remembers his aunt giving him some pet mice right before she died, but Lennie eventually kills too many with his strength. George begins to take on the father role of Lennie as he respects Lennie's aunt’s wishes. This can be shown as responsibility, like that of a mother taking care of her small child. This is in comparison to George as he looks after Lennie who is like a small child in his mind which extends into his actions.
Responsibility plays a huge role towards the end of the story and portrays many morals. Lennie and George have been chasing the American Dream. Many factors interrupt that dream and human imperfection disrupts the goals of the two men. Lennie's inability to understand his actions leads to some tragic situations. One of those situations which leads to George having to make the biggest and the most responsible decision in his life was the barn scene between Lennie and Curley’s wife. Curley’s wife allowed Lennie to run his fingers through her hair. In fear of George being mad at him again, Lennie panicked. He had no comprehension that he was smothering her to death.Curley’s wife pleaded and screamed for help as shown
George is aware that Lennie has no one. Before Lennie’s Aunt Clara died she told George to take care of Lennie. Lennie remembers his aunt giving him some pet mice right before she died, but Lennie eventually kills too many with his strength. George begins to take on the father role of Lennie as he respects Lennie's aunt’s wishes. This can be shown as responsibility, like that of a mother taking care of her small child. This is in comparison to George as he looks after Lennie who is like a small child in his mind which extends into his actions.
Responsibility plays a huge role towards the end of the story and portrays many morals. Lennie and George have been chasing the American Dream. Many factors interrupt that dream and human imperfection disrupts the goals of the two men. Lennie's inability to understand his actions leads to some tragic situations. One of those situations which leads to George having to make the biggest and the most responsible decision in his life was the barn scene between Lennie and Curley’s wife. Curley’s wife allowed Lennie to run his fingers through her hair. In fear of George being mad at him again, Lennie panicked. He had no comprehension that he was smothering her to death.Curley’s wife pleaded and screamed for help as shown