Themes: Friendship and Loyalty
The theme of friendship and loyalty is most clearly seen through the relationship between George and Lennie. George is Lennie’s caretaker, and although George openly admits to feeling trapped by his responsibility to Lennie, he refuses to leave Lennie to fend for himself. Lennie, in turn, shows a huge amount of loyalty towards George.
George had at first taken advantage of Lennie’s mental disability, but he realized that Lennie’s loyalty to him knew no bounds. When asked to jump into a river by George, Lennie did so, despite not being able to swim. Although George meant the request as a joke, it almost killed Lennie. George learned to stop messing with Lennie after that, because he realized his responsibility in the face of Lennie’s enormous trust in him.
George later shows his friendship and loyalty towards Lennie after seeing that Lennie has accidentally killed Curley’s wife. George understands that Lennie’s fate is either to be lynched by the ranch hands or to be locked up in an asylum. He knows that either end results in great suffering. George chooses to kill Lennie himself—quickly and humanely—after soothing Lennie with wistful reflections about their dream. Thus, Lennie’s final thoughts are joyful. Although a morally questionable action and possibly problematic commentary towards mental disability, George’s decision to kill Lennie reflects his loyalty and love for his friend. George chooses to end Lennie’s life in the best of circumstances, rather than let Lennie fall into the uncaring hands of the other men.
Expert Q&A
Quotes from Of Mice and Men that illustrate loyalty and trust
Quotes from Of Mice and Men illustrating loyalty and trust include George's assurance to Lennie, "I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you," and Slim's observation, "Ain't many guys travel around together." These quotes underscore the bond and mutual reliance between the characters, highlighting themes of companionship and fidelity.
Similarities Between Candy and His Dog, and George and Lennie in "Of Mice and Men"
In John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, parallels are drawn between Candy and his dog, and George and Lennie. Both Candy and George are attached to their companions, who are old or disabled and provide companionship in a lonely world. Candy's dog, like Lennie, is seen as past its usefulness, leading to its euthanasia by Carlson. Similarly, George feels compelled to kill Lennie to spare him a brutal fate. These relationships highlight themes of companionship and the harsh realities of a society that discards the vulnerable.
How and why does Slim treat George after Lennie's death?
Slim treats George with compassion and understanding after Lennie's death. Recognizing the difficult decision George made, Slim comforts him, affirming he had no choice, which prevents others from judging George. Slim's empathy and kind words signify his deep understanding and reinforce the notion of Lennie's death as a mercy killing.
What's a strong thesis for an essay about friendship in Of Mice and Men?
Friendship and Sacrifice in Of Mice and Men
In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck explores the themes of friendship and sacrifice through the complex relationship between George and Lennie. Their bond, while marked by George's occasional frustration, is characterized by mutual dependence, with George fulfilling a promise to Lennie's Aunt Clara and Lennie seeking George's approval. The friendship is unique in the harsh world of itinerant workers, providing hope amidst loneliness. Ultimately, George's final act of shooting Lennie is a sacrifice rooted in deep friendship, sparing him from a brutal fate.
Essays and Opening Ideas about George and Lennie
To write essays about George and Lennie, focus on their deep friendship and mutual dependence in Of Mice and Men. Examine how their dreams of owning land drive their actions and bond. Consider discussing the contrasts between George's practicality and Lennie's innocence. Opening ideas might include exploring themes of companionship, the American Dream, and the harsh realities of the Great Depression.
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