Similarities Between Of Mice And Men

The theme is the universal idea present in any piece of literature. A novel or story does not only have to consist of one major theme. It can have several. One of the major themes depicted in Of Mice and Men is friendship. George and Lennie share a bond that is filled with hopes and dreams they would like to achieve one day, but once in awhile delusions don't become a reality.

George and Lennie have dreams about owning a farm of their own instead of working for other farmers. They do not want to do strenuous labor for other men but instead have a farm in which they have the freedom to do as they please. However, not being regulated by superior individuals is not the only thing they crave. With a farm comes a nice cozy home. A home isn’t a place decorated with elegant furniture or artifacts in the corners. Maybe a house possesses such objects but a home isn’t about how big or sumptuous it is. A home consists of the most valuable people in one's life and as long as they are present it doesn’t matter where they reside. In George and Lennie’s case they both strive to one day be able to live in the same place with a garden that has a rabbit.
While trying to pursue this dream they encounter worldly problems that most individuals face at least once in their life.
In order to achieve their lifelong dream of owning a farm of their own, they need to be financially equipped. On their way from escaping Weed, a city they were previously in, they come near a ranch where they decide to work. This step is taken in order to come just a little closer to having a farm of their own. Due to Lennie’s mental health george is quite strict with him. Although, being stern does not always mean one is not able to display affection. While george may be fussy towards lennie, he doesn’t want to harm his friend in any way possible. However, lennie’s disability is a big obstacle towards their dreams and becomes a
hinder.

Even though, George and Lennie have a powerful friendship it all comes crashing down as soon as the dog, lennie was tending to, dies. The fact that the dog died by lennie himself has a major impact on the bond they have created over the years. George has always forgiven lennie for his mistakes because he is aware that lennie is dull but has a pleasant heart. However arriving at the ranch he had warned lennie constantly to not slip up and commit a mistake or else they would be one step behind their goal. Lennie’s fault this time around is inexcusable and there is no way george can defend him due to the fact lennie not only killed the dog but Curley’s wife too. This leads to George deciding he will have to kill Lennie himself. This decision isn’t made out of hatred but rather to protect Lennie. While killing a close friend may not seem like the most delightful idea, If it means one has the ability to keep them out of further danger, they ought to take the step. Going in this direction crumbled all the dreams Lennie and George had but if George did not choose this pathway it would result in more pain for Lennie.

Not all friendships are meant to last till the end of time. An individual at times has to let go of their most precious person for various reasons. In George and Lennie’s case, George was the one who had to take the step towards the end. While it was difficult he knew it must be done for the better. Dreams are not always meant to be born into existence and friendship constantly has an unseen time limit.