Of Mice And Men

Describe an important relationship between characters. Explain how this relationship helped you understand an idea

In the Text 'Of Mice and Men' written by John Steinbeck an important relationship is between George and Lennie two farm workers who dream of owning their own land together and being self sufficient. During 'The Great Depression' it was uncommon for people to have their own homes etc. because many people lost everything. An important idea that this helped me to understand was the idea of true friendship and how Lennie and George both contributed towards it.

Lennie and George's relationship was important because it was different to most other friendships at the time. During 'The Great Depression' nobody looked after anyone but themselves so it's strange that they looked after each other and traveled together. 'Ain't many guys travel around together, he mused. I don't know why maybe ever'body in the world is scared of each other' (pg 36) They both had a dream to own their own land and to plant and harvest their own crops, instead of picking someone else's.

George is really the brains of their friendship he has all of the bright ideas and he keeps them on the straight and narrow. He keeps a realistic eye on things. He doesn't really believe in their dream to one day get a stake and buy their own land. He is intelligence and plans their future. He provides Lennie with financial support and gets their jobs. George gives Lennie a 'voice' and speaks for him. George is a father figure to Lennie. He tells him off when he does something wrong and gives him advice.

Lennie is the reason they stay together but he provides physical protection and most importantly he promotes a positive outlook which would have been really important in hard times, even thought the hard times hardly