The sense of hope that is demonstrated through this passage is reiterated throughout the entire novel, building on the theme that friendship gives people a sense of hope and of belonging, which, as humans, we need to survive. For a start, the narrative point of view develops the theme of friendship by allowing the reader to get a glimpse of the character’s thought as depicted by their actions. George was very hesitant before he shot Lennie, “[He] raised the gun and his hand shook, and he dropped his hand to the ground again.” (page 52, lines 8-9) Even though we are not reading George’s thoughts, his actions show us that he is struggling with the fact that killing his best friend is the only to help him escape a fate worse than death. If he does not kill him, Lennie will be faced with either being committed to a mental institute, on the run with George for the rest of his life, or beaten and killed by the mob of angry farmers. This is the hardest act George has ever had to commit, he wants what he believes to be the best for his friend and even possibly for himself. Additionally, Steinbeck uses powerful imagery throughout the novel to show the depth of the friendship that less descriptive sentences would not be capable of doing.
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Lennie looks up to him and always seeks his approval because George has always been there for him and he is the only anchor in his life. At the end of the day, Lennie will always know he has George and George has him. Moreover, diction develops the overall theme of friendship by showing just how patient and understanding George is when dealing with Lennie. Towards the beginning of the book, the men are camping out and George says to Lennie, “O.K. Bring your bindle over here by the fire. It’s gonna be nice sleepin’ here. Lookin’ up, and the leaves. Don’t build up no more fire. We’ll let her die down.” (page 9, lines 4-6) George always speaks to Lennie like he is still a child, explaining everything to him so that he understands completely which demonstrates a high level of patience and compassion. Even though Lennie would listen to George without an explanation or reasoning, he takes his time to help Lennie understand because George wants him to learn from what he tells him. He always looks out for and takes care of Lennie. These are all signs of George caring for him as if they were
Lennie looks up to him and always seeks his approval because George has always been there for him and he is the only anchor in his life. At the end of the day, Lennie will always know he has George and George has him. Moreover, diction develops the overall theme of friendship by showing just how patient and understanding George is when dealing with Lennie. Towards the beginning of the book, the men are camping out and George says to Lennie, “O.K. Bring your bindle over here by the fire. It’s gonna be nice sleepin’ here. Lookin’ up, and the leaves. Don’t build up no more fire. We’ll let her die down.” (page 9, lines 4-6) George always speaks to Lennie like he is still a child, explaining everything to him so that he understands completely which demonstrates a high level of patience and compassion. Even though Lennie would listen to George without an explanation or reasoning, he takes his time to help Lennie understand because George wants him to learn from what he tells him. He always looks out for and takes care of Lennie. These are all signs of George caring for him as if they were