Of Mice and Men

The novel, Of Mice and Men, includes many interesting characters with witty personalities that give the story life and make it interesting. Some of these characters include, George, a hard working and devoted worker and friend who travels with Lennie looking for work. Candy, is an old handyman working at the ranch with Lennie and George, he fears that his age is making him useless and he worries about his future at the ranch. Curley, the boss’ son, is mean spirited and confrontational; he seeks to compensate for his small stature by picking fights with larger men. However, the most significant character in the novel is certainly Lennie. Lennie is a strong worker with a mental disability. He is completely dependent on his best friend, George. Lennie’s attitude brings happiness to the people surrounding him and his strong spirit adds a positive sense to the story. Many of the men working on the ranch are discontent and down most of the time. However, Lennie’s presents in a room usually lighten the mood. He is consistently providing happiness to others. His childlike attitude gives the men something to laugh about and his innocents makes them feel hopeful. “They’d nibble and they’d nibble the way they do. I seen ‘em.” (58 Steinbeck) Lennie says this about the rabbits he hopes to own in the future. The love and commitment he has for these rabbits cheer the other men up. When he talks about the rabbits with so much passion it makes the men think positively about what the future holds. Lennie also has a pure mind, free from any prejudice. When he meets Crooks, the black stable hand he has no intention of being rude or disrespectful to him because of his race. “Lennie smiled helplessly in an attempt to make friends.” (68 Steinbeck) Lennie had no intention in hurting Crooks and treated him the same way he would treat any other man he meet. Lennie is completely devoted and loyal to his best friend George. Even though is mental disability makes it hard for him to remember things; he can remember what George tells him to do. When George is angry Lennie does everything he can to make George feel better. He consistently looks for George’s approval and seeks to make him proud. “Because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you.” (14 Steinbeck) Lennie is truly grateful to have George as a friend and would do anything for him. The death of Lennie is the death of a beautiful person. He was someone who loved unconditionally, and had a truly positive outlook on life. Lennie was a good man, burdened by his lack of knowledge and his failure to recognize his own strength. His character is extremely essential to the novel and without it; the plot would be lacking much of its message and meaning.