In society we find it hard to accept difference even though it is all around us. But when an individual has countless distinctions, it can really affect our life. This is so true when it comes to the two characters known as Lenny and George. .
George and Lenny are the two main characters, but something sets them apart; Lenny is mentally disabled. Lenny know that he could be a bad boy and not listen, but I don't know if he knew he actually grasps the concept that that people saw him as "different." The setting of this novel is between the 1920's to the 1930's a time period when people had little understanding of the mentally ill. Most of the time they were thrown in ghastly hospitals or just left to fend for themselves. Luckily for Lenny he had a friend who society labeled as "normal." Without this friend I am not too sure that Lenny would have survived. In the beginning of the book Lenny "threaten" George with running away from him. I think that if he had ran away the chances of him staying alive, by himself, would be slim to none. Sad to say that he would have a higher chance of surviving out in the woods then in civilization. One of the main reason for Lenny not being able to survive in society would be because the people not being as educated on his disability. If the employers found out about Lenny's disability they would not have hired them. Back then I think since people were uneducated about such topic it was easy for them to be unkind and scared; and therefore it was hard for them to be able to accept the difference. .
George was the caretaker of Lenny. He helped him live and fit into the world as best as he could. George was smart, levelheaded character; he gave a lot to Lenny, he gave up most of his life. Lenny on the other hand was a friend to George. Although he was 50% nuisance to him he was also 50% friend. Though a friend, whatever Lenny sowed George would reap.