The Theme of Friendship in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men

Taking a life is tremendously difficult, but if you knew a loved one would suffer a terrible death would you? The novel Of Mice And Men is about two close friends. Lennie and George travel together striving to create their dream of owning 10 acres filled with plants and animals a reality. However, Lennie tends to create commotion due to having a disability causing them to flee. John Steinbeck’s Of Mice And Men analyzes the theme of friendship by revealing that men during this timeline don’t easily trust each other however Lennie and George are different. They are different because they have each other’s backs and they share a genuine friendship.

The novel Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck analyzes the theme of friendship. It analyzes the theme of friendship when George is portrayed as a father figure or an older brother towards Lennie by giving him constant instructions and advice. George also takes responsibility for Lennie’s actions when Lennie causes trouble. In chapter 1, the day before George and Lennie went to look for work at the ranch, George instructed Lennie “Don’t say anything tomorrow when we get to the ranch.” George said this because he thought if Lennie spoke it would have caused them not to get hired due to Lennie not being the sharpest person. George thought because Lennie lacks intelligence they would have assumed he’s a lousy worker. However, George reassured them he’s a diligent worker. Another example of George giving Lennie instructions is in chapter 1 after Lennie caused trouble for touching a lady's dress because it was soft. George told Lennie, “well, look. Lennie --if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an’ hide in the bush.” George instructed Lennie to hide in the bush so he could always know where Lennie would be if he caused serious trouble and George would come and save him. These quotes prove my point because they display how caring George is towards Lennie, guiding him through life as a father would. When George told Lennie to hide in the bush. George is taking responsibility for Lennie's actions, telling Lennie to wait for him so he can take care of the consequences.

Lennie trusts George to the extent of not evening thinking about what would happen if he abandoned him. Lennie also shows their friendship when Lennie confidently relies on George and never questions his decisions. When Crook and Lennie were talking in the shack after George left with the other workers to drink, Crook kept insisting what would Lennie do if George didn’t come back, Crook asked, “S’pose George don’t come back no more. S’pose he took a powder and just ain’t coming back. What’ll you do then?” Crook asked because he’s lonely and wanted to see Lennie’s point of view however Lennie assured Crook confidently George would never leave him. This quote shows how much trust Lennie has for George, to the extent where he doesn’t even think about George leaving. Lennie never questioned George’s reason for leaving that night. When Crook rephrased the question with what if someone hurt George, Lennie became aggressive and demanded Crook who hurt George however Crook reassured him he was only asking what if.

When George shot Lennie with the gun it was out of their friendship, he didn't want Lennie to suffer a painful death. George killed Lennie himself because he loves Lennie and believed that it was only right if he did it similar to how Candy regrets not shooting his dog himself. George made sure Lennie died a rapid,hopeful, painless death. Before George shot Lennie in the head, Lennie asked George to describe their dream to him, George said, “we’ll have a cow, “An’ we’ll have maybe a pig an’ chickens …. An’ down the flat, we’ll have a …. Little piece alfalfa-.” After describing their dream they’ve always talked about, Lennie became extremely content and cheered to start it now. Another example is when Curly found out Lennie had accidentally killed his wife, Curly loathed Lennie and states, “I’m gonna shoot the guts outa that big bastard myself.” All the men went out looking for Lennie to murder and torment him. Fortunately, George found Lennie before they could due to Lennie hiding behind the bush. George describing the dream proves that George didn’t kill Lennie out of hostility or disgust. He shot Lennie unwillingly, dropping the gun after he raised it to Lennie’s head multiple times while Lennie giggled about tending the rabbits. George was afraid of what would happen to Lennie if he didn’t do it himself, he didn’t want Lennie to depart with terror on his face. In an attempt to make Lennie as content as he could before he shot him, George told Lennie that they are different from most men because they have each other and they care for each other. Lennie was satisfied with George’s words. Lennie died hopeful, unaware of his death. If Curly and the other men killed Lennie they would’ve killed him with disgust and hatred motives.

The story Of Mice And Men reveals that true friendship comes with patience and sacrifices. The sacrifice George took for Lennie to assure Lennie would die happily and peacefully even though the decision would sacrifice George’s happiness and consciousness. This theme is important in life because friendships will always come with selfless sacrifices to ensure the people you care about are thriving. Friendships are important experiences in life. Friendships either teach you a lesson, gift you happy memories, or grow with you. Regardless of how they end, they add on to your life.