George
Character Analysis
One of the protagonists of Of Mice and Men, George Milton is a shrewd migrant worker “with restless eyes and sharp, strong features.” In many ways, he resembles a mouse: “Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose.” He travels with Lennie Small, whom he promised Lennie’s Aunt Clara he would protect. Although most migrant workers travel alone, George finds comfort in traveling with his companion. Through this relationship, George demonstrates his compassion and kindheartedness.
When he was younger, George treated Lennie heartlessly, going so far as to dare Lennie to jump into the Sacramento River even though he couldn’t swim. When Lennie jumped and nearly drowned, George vowed to never hurt Lennie again and to always protect him. Although Lennie often causes trouble, George sticks by him, often serving as his voice, guardian, and mentor. When the two move to a new job site, George fears Lennie will lose them the job if he speaks. As a result, George speaks on both of their behalves—a practice which often gets the two men in trouble.
Although George is a migrant worker, he has a vivid imagination and ambitious dreams. Throughout Of Mice and Men, George frequently expresses his desire to be his own boss instead of someone else’s lowly worker who “got no fambly… [and] don’t belong no place.” To soothe both himself and Lennie, George repeats the aspirational refrain of “living offa the fatta the lan’.” He imagines a future for him and Lennie, although he knows that it may never come true. He indulges Lennie’s imagination as well, envisioning a future in which they own their own land, “a little house and a couple of acres.”
George demonstrates his devotion and loyalty throughout the story, even when he complains about or yells at Lennie. Even in the final tragic moments of the story, he remains dedicated to his friend. As he points the gun at Lennie’s head, George tells Lennie that he’s never been mad at him and he continues indulging Lennie’s imagination by envisioning “a little place… [living] on the fatta the lan’” where Lennie can “tend the rabbits.” By killing Lennie himself, George spares Lennie from suffering at the hands of Curley’s lynch mob. Among all the harsh and unforgiving characters in this Californian migratory society, George is the one character who understands Lennie and his weaknesses. However, despite his tender nature and best efforts, George cannot escape the migratory life. His dreams of owning his own plot of land with Lennie vanish the moment Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife. His character demonstrates the cruel realities of living a migratory laborer’s life and the inescapability of moving from the lower to the middle class. Both he and Lennie dream of a new life; however, by the end of the story, George cannot escape and he must continue migrating from one job site to the next.
Expert Q&A
In Of Mice and Men's first chapter, how does George suggest his life could improve without Lennie?
In the first chapter of Of Mice and Men, George tells Lennie that his life could be better without him, saying, "God, you're a lot of trouble... 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." Lennie depends on George's assistance, but George is often rather begrudging of their situation.
What are George's last remarks to Lennie in Of Mice and Men and why does he repeat a previously told story?
George's last remarks to Lennie in Of Mice and Men involve repeating their dream of owning a piece of land. He does this to fulfill Lennie's last request, calm him down, and symbolically represent the end of their shared dream. George knows the dream will never be realized without Lennie and offers this comfort before taking his friend's life.
Why does George instruct Lennie not to speak to their boss?
George instructs Lennie not to speak to their boss to prevent jeopardizing their job prospects. He fears Lennie's mental handicap might lead the boss to see him as useless, risking immediate dismissal. George wants the boss to first witness Lennie's impressive work ethic and strength, which could secure their positions despite Lennie's limitations. George repeatedly emphasizes to Lennie the importance of staying silent to avoid repeating past mistakes.
What is George's response when Lennie offers to live in a cave?
When Lennie offers to live in a cave, George initially questions Lennie's ability to survive on his own, saying, "Yeah? How'd you eat? You ain't got sense enough to find nothing to eat." Realizing he has hurt Lennie's feelings, George quickly reassures him, admitting he was mean and insisting he wants Lennie to stay with him.
Why can't George continue his dream without Lennie, despite Candy's financial help and other potential workers?
George cannot continue his dream without Lennie because the dream was fundamentally Lennie's, serving as a comforting fantasy rather than a realistic plan. George used the dream to bond with Lennie and give his own life purpose. Despite Candy's financial help, the dream held emotional significance due to George's deep friendship with Lennie. Without Lennie, the dream loses its heart and becomes a painful reminder of Lennie's absence and George's actions.
What could George do if Lennie wasn't around?
If Lennie were not around, George imagines his life would be easier. He could hold a steady job, save money, and enjoy personal freedoms like visiting brothels or having a girlfriend. However, this would also mean living a lonely life as a "bindle stiff," constantly moving between jobs without companionship or purpose. Lennie's presence gives George a sense of meaning and hope, highlighting the importance of friendship and shared dreams.
Why does George warn Lennie against drinking too much water in Of Mice and Men?
George warns Lennie against drinking too much water in Of Mice and Men because the water is scummy and stagnant, which could make Lennie sick. George, acting as Lennie's guardian, recognizes the danger of drinking still water that may contain harmful bacteria. This incident highlights Lennie's childlike nature and George's protective role.
What are eight character traits of George in Of Mice and Men?
George in Of Mice and Men is a complex character with several key traits: survival skills that show his common sense, leadership skills demonstrated by guiding Lennie, and interpersonal skills that help him navigate tense situations. He exhibits intrapersonal skills, showing love and protection for Lennie, and a sense of fraternity through their shared dreams. George respects individual dignity and ultimately makes difficult decisions to preserve Lennie's humanity and dignity.
In Of Mice and Men, why does George plan to get a drink but refuses to pay for a flop?
George plans to get a drink but refuses to pay for a flop because he is frugal and focused on saving money for a homestead with Lennie. Unlike other workers who waste their earnings on immediate pleasures, George values their shared dream and does not want to jeopardize it by spending money on prostitutes, showing his sensible nature and commitment to a better future.
In Of Mice and Men, what does George claim he would be doing if he were smart?
In Of Mice and Men, George claims that if he were smart, he would have his own ranch and be bringing in his own crops instead of working on someone else's land. Additionally, he tells Lennie that if he were smart, he would leave him, get a job, and enjoy life without the burden of taking care of Lennie. Despite these thoughts, George values their companionship.
What is the internal conflict that George from Of Mice and Men faces?
George faces an internal conflict between his loyalty to Lennie and the desire for personal freedom. He struggles with the responsibility of caring for Lennie, who often creates problems, versus the simpler life he could lead alone. This tension is evident throughout the novel, especially when George ultimately decides to shoot Lennie to save him from a worse fate. This act leaves George isolated, without the companionship and hope Lennie provided.
George's Unease and Perception of Curley's Wife in Of Mice and Men
In Of Mice and Men, George perceives Curley's wife as a threat due to her flirtatious demeanor and her association with Curley, the volatile son of the ranch owner. George fears she is "bad news" and could jeopardize the dreams he shares with Lennie. He warns Lennie to avoid her, recalling past troubles in Weed. Lennie, however, is captivated by her beauty, a pattern that foreshadows tragedy due to his inability to handle beauty without harm.
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