Of Mice And Men

In "Of Mice and Men", John Steinbeck represents intellect and intuition through the relationship of George and Lennie. Unlike traditional binary opposition where one element is favoured over another, Steinbeck shows how each element is valued. He sees intellect and intuition as equal because not only does George enrich Lennies' life, but Lennie enriches George's life and gives him a richer understanding of the social and natural world.

George is a small man with quick wit. Although physically small, he has complete control over his companion Lennie, the way a father controls a son. He is aware that he is more capable and responsible than Lennie. Not only is George intelligent but he can also foresee the coming situations and has the capacity to organise jobs.

"You never had none, you crazy bastard. I got both of them here. Think I'd let you carry your own work card?" (Steinbeck, 1994, p.7)

He is able to distinguish right and wrong, which shows his ability to make judgements about others. George advises Lennie not to talk to Curley's wife because all Curley's wife wants to do is cause trouble in the ranch. He can recognise profitable situations and handles them with smartness. George and Lennie have a dream of owning a farm because George always wanted to be his own boss. To achieve that dream he works hard and saves money, though he is sensible enough to know that the amount of money he has saved is insufficient to attain their dream. However when Candy offered to pay him most of the amount, he accepted it because he knew that it will help them to accomplish their dream. Hence, he agreed to join Candy in their plan. George has always been a kind, helpful and level headed person who has made it possible for Lennie to live in the real world.

Lennie is innocent, honest, hardworking and has a mind of a child. He has a poor memory and has to repeat things to himself many times to remember them. This is shown in the first chapter when he forgets about where they were going.

"I forgot. I tried not to forget. Honest to God I did, George."(Steinbeck, 1994, p. 6)

Massive and strong he can lift bales of hay all by himself however, he is unaware of the strength he possesses. The inability to judge his strength, combined with his desire to pet things, places him into troublesome situations. That is how he kills his pets, when he only intends to pet them and play with them. He is unable to control himself when stressed and acts impulsively. When Crooks maliciously teases him that George might decide to abandon him and that Lennie would then end up in "the booby hatch," Lennie becomes enraged. Eventually, Crooks backs off in fear of what Lennie could do to hurt him. Despite Lennie's potential for hurting people, however it is apparent that it is the malice, fear, and anger in other people that are to blame for Lennie's violent actions. Steinbeck makes it clear that Lennie is sensitive, soft hearted and simply childlike. Lennie's immaturity has been portrayed in many situations particularly when he drinks too much water, out of a still pond and carries a dead mouse, which he had killed. Being a very tactile person, Lennie is close to the sensuous natural world. He feels, thinks and believes through his emotions. "I like to pet nice things." (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 88).

Despite his flaws, he is amiable and friendly, and does not do any of the bad things on purpose and helps George wherever he can.

George always helps Lennie out in all situations, in health, safety, and mental stability. He cares for the well being of Lennie and does not want him to get sick. When George and Lennie were walking to the ranch, Lennie stops at a dirty pond and drinks the water.

"Lennie, for God' sakes don't drink so much. Lennie, you gonna be sick like you was last night." (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 5).

He has a genuine affection for Lennie and always tries to make him happy. George promised that he would give Lennie a puppy. When they overheard Slim talking about his dog that just gave birth, George leaped at the chance, telling Lennie "Yeah! I heard him Lennie. I'll ask him."(Steinbeck, 1994, p.37). He guides and protects Lennie and gives him directions to make sure he does not get into any trouble.

"We're gonna go in an' see the boss. I'll give him the work tickets, but you ain't gonna say a word. You jus' stand there and don't say nothing." (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 8)

George cares for Lennie and protects him in many circumstances.

Lennie's Ð''impaired' insight gives George an understanding of the natural and social world. George realises the importance of companionship, through his relationship with Lennie. Lennie gives George someone to talk to and someone to keep him on track. George enjoys being in the company of Lennie. "You get used to goin around with a guy." (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 42). He enjoys the opportunity to not only give Lennie advice, but also to be in charge, which enables him to take control over him. He makes his need for Lennie clear when he tells Slim about the incident at the river. "Ð'... He'll do any damn thing I tell him to do." (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 41). George took care of Lennie after Aunt Clara's death, which gave him a sense of responsibility. In doing so, he feels that he is fulfilling the responsibility which was given to him by Aunt Clara. He uses Lennie as a protection against his loneliness and always wants Lennie around him.

"I ain't got no people. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean."(Steinbeck, 1994, p. 41)

They have one thing that unites the two of them as close as any bond can. This is that they both share the same dream of owning their own farm.