Friendship Essay(of Mice and Men and a Seperate Peace)
Amy Campbell
Mrs. Schmid, Mr. Van Lieu, Mrs. Cardwell
English Honors I
8/15/08
Friendship Essay
As portrayed in both stories, Of Mice and Men and A Separate Peace, friendship was undoubtfully the epitome of both plot lines. There was George and Lennie, an odd couple bounded by the ties of “brotherhood and a dream. "'A guy needs somebody-to be near him.' He whined, 'A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody.'" (72) There was also Gene and Phineas, the other’s significant self, connected by their balanced natures and undeniable trust. "Naturally I don't believe books and I don't believe teachers, but I do believe-it's important for me to believe you [Gene]. Christ, I've got to believe you, at least. I know you better than anybody" (154). As both authors lead our fellow characters into tough situations, it brings out the solid truth behind their relationships. Through the similarities and differences on the concept of friendship in each book, overall messages can be concluded by both authors based on the actions and thoughts perceived by the characters. In both novels, the following characters Lennie and Gene are described as the underdogs, depending more on the superior man. Gene sticks with Phineas, since he is helpless without his charming, collective, smooth personality. “You had to be rude at least sometimes and edgy often to be credited with 'personality,' and without that accolade no one at Devon could be anyone. No one, with the exception of course of Phineas" (124). With this, Gene is able to win over and dodge encounters with the faculty due to Finny’s persuasive ways. In Of Mice and men, Lennie follows George’s strict instruction and precise ways as a need of social survival. “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…” With someone as seemingly patient and intellectual as he, Lennie has no doubt but to stick with him “…Hide in the brush till I come
Mrs. Schmid, Mr. Van Lieu, Mrs. Cardwell
English Honors I
8/15/08
Friendship Essay
As portrayed in both stories, Of Mice and Men and A Separate Peace, friendship was undoubtfully the epitome of both plot lines. There was George and Lennie, an odd couple bounded by the ties of “brotherhood and a dream. "'A guy needs somebody-to be near him.' He whined, 'A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody.'" (72) There was also Gene and Phineas, the other’s significant self, connected by their balanced natures and undeniable trust. "Naturally I don't believe books and I don't believe teachers, but I do believe-it's important for me to believe you [Gene]. Christ, I've got to believe you, at least. I know you better than anybody" (154). As both authors lead our fellow characters into tough situations, it brings out the solid truth behind their relationships. Through the similarities and differences on the concept of friendship in each book, overall messages can be concluded by both authors based on the actions and thoughts perceived by the characters. In both novels, the following characters Lennie and Gene are described as the underdogs, depending more on the superior man. Gene sticks with Phineas, since he is helpless without his charming, collective, smooth personality. “You had to be rude at least sometimes and edgy often to be credited with 'personality,' and without that accolade no one at Devon could be anyone. No one, with the exception of course of Phineas" (124). With this, Gene is able to win over and dodge encounters with the faculty due to Finny’s persuasive ways. In Of Mice and men, Lennie follows George’s strict instruction and precise ways as a need of social survival. “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…” With someone as seemingly patient and intellectual as he, Lennie has no doubt but to stick with him “…Hide in the brush till I come