George And Lennie's Relationship Essay

Words: 560
Pages: 3

In the novel, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, the center focus of the story is on the relationship between main characters, George and Lennie. Their relationship is defined as mutualistic relationship, as both characters benefit from their partnership. George and Lennie are two companions looking for work during the time of the Great Depression. They stick together after George promised to care for the cognitively impaired Lennie. Though George is the one watching over Lennie, their relationship has a positive effect on them both. To begin, Lennie has George to help him survive. For example, while hiking through the woods, Lennie proceeds to gulp down scummy pond water. George has to explain to Lennie that he "never oughta drink water when …show more content…
Next, Lennie has a passion for touching soft things, but fails to recognize he can cause harm. For instance, Lennie desires to touch a woman's dress, but in the end, "she jerks back and [he] hold[s] on like it [it's] a mouse" (205). Though not on purpose, Lennie can be aggressive toward animals and even humans. Lennie often doesn't know right from wrong, and is likely to get himself in trouble without George's protective influence. In turn, Lennie has a positive impact on George. Lennie makes an ideal companion, as "it's a lot easier to go around with a guy you know" (35). Though Lennie doesn't have a ton to offer to George, he claims if he finally got the ketchup he's been asking for, he'd "leave it all for [George]. [George] could cover [his] beans with it and [Lennie] wouldn't touch none of it" (89). Lennie makes the effort to be a good friend to George, and succeeds. Next, Lennie's incredible strength is useful in obtaining jobs. George explains to the boss that Lennie's "sure a hell of a good worker. Strong as a bull" (110). In addition to getting jobs, Lennie's remarkable strength helps keep George