The Significance of George and Lennie’s Friendship in of Mice and Men

Friendship is such a big part of being human. It gives us support, makes us feel like we belong, and is just super important. In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," the friendship between Lennie and George isn't just a side thing; it's really at the heart of everything that happens. This essay dives into why their friendship matters so much, looking at how it affects them and what it says about life in general.

The Importance of Lennie and George's Friendship

Friendship as a Source of Support: From the start, you can tell that Lennie and George lean on each other for emotional backup and to handle physical stuff too. They're working on the move during the Great Depression, dealing with lots of crap along the way, but their friendship kind of gives them some stability. Lennie, who's got this innocent view and some mental challenges, totally depends on George to keep him safe from life's harshness. And George? He finds comfort having Lennie around; it gives him something to do, like he's needed.

Steinbeck shows how much they depend on each other when George says, "Guys like us... they don't belong no place. [...] With us it ain't like that" (Steinbeck 13). This really points out their special bond—having someone to lean on makes them less lonely and maybe even hopeful for better days ahead.

The Role of Friendship in Overcoming Adversity

Lennie and George face all kinds of tough stuff in the novel: bias, money problems, tough times working on ranches. But their rock-solid friendship gives them resilience to push through it all. Like when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, George steps up to shield him from others' anger because he genuinely cares about Lennie.

And then there's the ending—George making that painful decision to end things for Lennie. It’s brutal but also an act of love. He knows Lennie's challenges mean he can't ever fit in or have a decent life otherwise, so he saves him from more pain by doing this hard thing.

The Importance of Companionship

Their friendship highlights how much companionship matters to people. They find comfort together by dreaming big dreams, sharing stories—the usual stuff friends do. It's those moments that give them joy despite the rough lives they live.

Lennie's reliance on George also gives George purpose; taking care of Lennie lets him feel important because he’s needed. In uncertain times like those in "Of Mice and Men," companionship becomes invaluable for both guys.

The Broader Implications of Lennie and George's Friendship

Their friendship goes beyond just these two characters; it speaks volumes about kindness toward others—even strangers—and sticking up for people close to you no matter what happens around you or within your own struggles inside yourself sometimes!

All said—and not forgetting every angle explored—Lennie & George show us truly meaningful connections are crucial amidst loneliness or disconnects faced by many today too.

Bibliography

• Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Books, 1993.
• Cavendish, Richard. “Publication of 'Of Mice and Men.’” History Today Magazine, vol. 57, no.1., Jan 2007.
• Pugh, Tison & Johnson, Angela Eilene Dolezalek’s Reading Literature After the Fall: Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women (Bloomsbury Publishing USA)
• Lisca P., Understanding Fictional Worlds (Stanford University Press)
• Meyer M., Literature An Introduction To Fiction Poetry Drama And Writing (Longman)