If you have read the novel 'Of Mice and Men' and are anything like me, then the novel will have held you captivated. During the 1930s, in which the novel was set, an economic disaster was taking place. It was very difficult to find a job at this time, because of this man-made catastrophe. This context relates to the novel a lot and shows the reader a reason why George and Lennie were so close. For me the relationship between George and Lennie was very interesting.
This essay is about the two migrant American workers and their strange bond.
George Milton has an astute mind, with sharp eyes and a quick tongue. In the novel, he is described as 'small', 'strong' and 'slender'. He is very intelligent and quick to react.
He looks after Lennie, as he feels he has duty to Lennie. I think that this duty comes from when they were young and George used to lead Lennie on, telling him to do things he wasn't capable of, like telling Lennie to jump into the Sacramento River, just to impress a group of guys. Lennie did jump in, although he couldn't swim at all. He nearly drowned and it was a while before Lennie could be pulled out. Then he was so nice to George for pulling him out; I think the duty came from this, because George felt guilty. He realised his attitude towards Lennie was rotten, and from that day on I think he tried to improve his manner towards Lennie. Then the more time George spent with Lennie; the more he liked him.
Now George almost treats Lennie like his son. He has an uncommon bond with Lennie, which I don't think anybody can break. The way he is like a parent to Lennie, is the way that he looks after him. He knows that if he left Lennie, Lennie would be in all sorts of trouble.
But that doesn't mean that George doesn't think about what life would be like without Lennie. I think he secretly fantasises about what his life would be like, without Lennie pulling him down. However, he also knows that he wouldn't be able to leave Lennie, because Lennie is weak and vulnerable.