In both of the novels, Juan Tomas and Slim both play similar roles. For Slim, he is like a mentor to George and Lennie, providing advices whenever they need help. Similar to Slim, Juan helps Kino make important decisions, telling him “You must be careful to see they do not cheat you” (the pearl 45). Slim, the respected leader of the mule team befriends George and Lennie. Later on, he protects Lennie when he gets in trouble
with Curley.
Lennie and Coyotito are both similar in a way; both dependent on others. Lennie, a large man with a mind of a child, always looks up to George for advices. The same way for Coyotito. Since he’s an infant and mostly relies on his parent to raise and help him after “The baby has been stung.” (The pearl 6). Lennie relies on George due to the fact that he is socially awkward around people with whom he’s not comfortable. Because of that, George tells Lennie not to make any reckless move when interviewing with the boss. Things go downhill when Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife. Lennie runs away in fear and is chased by the ranch workers, realizing the trouble he’s gotten himself into”If George don’t want me… I’ll go away” (Of Mice and Men 100) and how his actions are impacting others.
There are many similarities between George and Kino. They both make very difficult choices throughout the stories which could affect the outcome if not wisely chosen.
John Steinbeck’s writing style of using metaphors and foreshadowing is refelected in both Of Mice and Men, and The Pearl; sharing very similar characteristics and themes. Both character traits of George and Kino caused the death of their closed ones, Coyotito and Lennie.