The Role Of Power In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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“In the bunkhouse, the Boss was talking to George and Lennie”(21). The Boss let them know that he had power. In Of Mice and Men, many characters have some level of power. George, Curley, and Slim show their power in different ways and they control different people or groups. George is a small, quiet leader who was well liked and got most of his power by being friendly and helping others. George has always had power of Lennie because Lennie needed someone to help him through life. “‘I told his old lady I’d take care of him,’ George said”(22). George was able to talk Lennie out of many situations and problems. When the Boss and Curley came into the bunkhouse, George saved their jobs and Lennie because of mistakes that Lennie made. Before Lennie’s aunt died, George promised her that he would take care of Lennie. He helped Lennie get out of Weed because of something Lennie did. George has to remind Lennie to do many things and almost made him do things. He could also “control” Lennie, in the sense that Lennie listened to him more than anyone else. This power hurt George because he got very close to Lennie. When Lennie killed Curley’s wife, George knew he had to kill him before Curley did. Right before George shot Lennie, George hesitated a long as he could because he didn’t want …show more content…
He earns his power by leading the men and by being responsible and kind. When he walks into the lunchroom, everyone quiets down to look at him because they are in awe. Slim can always find the good in everything. He is very wise and has advice for everyone. He helps out Lennie by giving him a pup. He helps George by giving him advice about Lennie. “‘I can see Lennie ain’t a bit mean,’ Slim said”(41). The workers always listen to him because of his reputation. His power has always helped him because the Boss and Curley don’t have any problems with him and he has lots of
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