Selfishness vs. Selflessness
The words selfish and selfless are two completely different words with two completely different meanings, yet they get confused quite often. In Of Mice and Men, some readers may envision the character George as selfish or harsh towards Lennie, however, Steinbeck portrays George as selfless. George and Lennie find themselves in penurious situations very often. This is burdensome for George considering Lennie’s mental disability, and it should be expected that George becomes infuriated with him at times. It is evident that George’s actions and words towards Lennie are selfless and caring, which is evidenced by George’s dealing with Lennie’s mental disability and his troublesome behavior, as well as the sacrifice …show more content…
Instead of hollering at Lennie, George simply tells him that he is not to behave like he did at their previous workplace. This shows just how understanding George is of Lennie’s mental impairment. George takes the time to try to understand Lennie’s disability, therefore, he is able to decide the wisest way to discipline Lennie. George states, “Lennie--if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an’ hide in the brush” (Steinbeck 15). This quotation shows that George prognosticates that Lennie will get himself into another predicament. George also says, “like you always done before,” which shows that Lennie’s misbehavior is like a cycle (Steinbeck …show more content…
George states, “I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail. I could live so easy and maybe have a girl” (Steinbeck 7). George is lonesome all the time because Lennie is not an exceptional person in which to talk. George is also invariably taking care of Lennie, which prevents him from meeting women. He gives this part of his life up for Lennie. George would not have to worry about Lennie getting in trouble all the time or worry about finding not one but two new jobs for them. If George did not have to deal with Lennie, a huge weight would be lifted off his shoulders. George also states, “But you get used to goin’ around with a guy an’ you can’t get rid of him” (Steinbeck 41). Despite all the advantages of leaving Lennie, George does not just get up and leave him. George is like a caring fatherly-figure to Lennie. George tells Lennie what is wrong from what is right and what to do and when to do it. George guides Lennie through life and makes many sacrifices in his own life to do
The words selfish and selfless are two completely different words with two completely different meanings, yet they get confused quite often. In Of Mice and Men, some readers may envision the character George as selfish or harsh towards Lennie, however, Steinbeck portrays George as selfless. George and Lennie find themselves in penurious situations very often. This is burdensome for George considering Lennie’s mental disability, and it should be expected that George becomes infuriated with him at times. It is evident that George’s actions and words towards Lennie are selfless and caring, which is evidenced by George’s dealing with Lennie’s mental disability and his troublesome behavior, as well as the sacrifice …show more content…
Instead of hollering at Lennie, George simply tells him that he is not to behave like he did at their previous workplace. This shows just how understanding George is of Lennie’s mental impairment. George takes the time to try to understand Lennie’s disability, therefore, he is able to decide the wisest way to discipline Lennie. George states, “Lennie--if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an’ hide in the brush” (Steinbeck 15). This quotation shows that George prognosticates that Lennie will get himself into another predicament. George also says, “like you always done before,” which shows that Lennie’s misbehavior is like a cycle (Steinbeck …show more content…
George states, “I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail. I could live so easy and maybe have a girl” (Steinbeck 7). George is lonesome all the time because Lennie is not an exceptional person in which to talk. George is also invariably taking care of Lennie, which prevents him from meeting women. He gives this part of his life up for Lennie. George would not have to worry about Lennie getting in trouble all the time or worry about finding not one but two new jobs for them. If George did not have to deal with Lennie, a huge weight would be lifted off his shoulders. George also states, “But you get used to goin’ around with a guy an’ you can’t get rid of him” (Steinbeck 41). Despite all the advantages of leaving Lennie, George does not just get up and leave him. George is like a caring fatherly-figure to Lennie. George tells Lennie what is wrong from what is right and what to do and when to do it. George guides Lennie through life and makes many sacrifices in his own life to do