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Heidi Honkamp

English 11

7.24.2009

Of Mice and Men

If you had to take care of someone less fortunate than you how far would you go for that person? George, a main character in Of Mice and Men, happens to be a person in this situation taking care of the mentally challenged Lennie, the other main character. The traveling pair looks for work in Soledad, California on a ranch which puts them in certain predicaments that endanger their lives. George and Lennie have plans of their own to get a ranch and “live of the fatta’ the lan’ ” (14). Sometimes George loses the strength to put up with Lennie but ultimately he perseveres and finds the benefit for the both of them. In the novella Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses the character of George to show the strong bond of friendship and responsibility throughout the story.

One way George shows the themes of responsibility and friendship is the description Steinbeck uses on the background of Lennie and George’s life. For example, George says, “He’s my…cousin. I told his old lady I’d take care him. He’s awright. Just ain’t bright. But he can do anything you tell him” (22). This is an example because when George is talking to the boss on the ranch, the boss questions Lennie’s mental abilities but George steps in and takes Lennie’s side saying he is the strongest worker than anyone on the ranch. George shows responsibility towards Lennie when he makes sure Lennie’s good side is shown and that he is a person to be valued. George sees Lennie as an equal and he wants everyone else to give him a chance.