Of Mice and Men Essay
“Of Mice and Men” tells a tale of two men who cherish the bond and the dream they share in a world filled with brutality. George Milton is a small man, who took the responsibility of taking care of his half-witted and ungainly friend Lennie. The two men came to a farm to work, but Lennie accidentally killed the wife of the farm owner Curley. In order to save Lennie from a painful death, George kills Lennie with a shotgun while he is describing their dream to Lennie for the last time. It is the Purpose of this essay to determine how George Milton is made believable. He is made believable by his language, actions, and his unique personality driving the story forward.
John Steinbeck used George’s dialogue to inform reader about his thoughts and his past experiences to further reveal George’s personality. George’s language suggests that he is uneducated and harsh. However, when he talks to Lennie, the harshness in his words changes instantly to tenderness and affection. This shows that he is a devoted friend and protective to his friend Lennie. Once during a conversation, George confessed: “I ain't got no people. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin' to fight all the time. . . 'Course Lennie's a God damn nuisance most of the time, but you get used to goin' around with a guy an' you can't get rid of him.” (Steinbeck 64) George’s slangs and incorrect grammar suggest that he is unschooled and low class. George’s thoughts on other ranch workers and his relationship with Lennie inform readers of George’s devotion and attachment towards Lennie. The impact on the readers’ understanding of George would have been less powerful if George’s perceptions and emotions were told in a direct manner; because it is always easier for readers to empathize and identify the character if the author shows the development of personalities of the character instead of telling readers
John Steinbeck used George’s dialogue to inform reader about his thoughts and his past experiences to further reveal George’s personality. George’s language suggests that he is uneducated and harsh. However, when he talks to Lennie, the harshness in his words changes instantly to tenderness and affection. This shows that he is a devoted friend and protective to his friend Lennie. Once during a conversation, George confessed: “I ain't got no people. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin' to fight all the time. . . 'Course Lennie's a God damn nuisance most of the time, but you get used to goin' around with a guy an' you can't get rid of him.” (Steinbeck 64) George’s slangs and incorrect grammar suggest that he is unschooled and low class. George’s thoughts on other ranch workers and his relationship with Lennie inform readers of George’s devotion and attachment towards Lennie. The impact on the readers’ understanding of George would have been less powerful if George’s perceptions and emotions were told in a direct manner; because it is always easier for readers to empathize and identify the character if the author shows the development of personalities of the character instead of telling readers