The Role Of Friendship In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Friendship includes many different characteristics for people to have a strong bond that will last between two or a group of people. Friendship and loyalty is expressed throughout the book, Of Mice and Men, by the two main characters George, who is responsible for Lennie’s well-being and finding them both work, and Lennie, who follows George and has a mental disability. George and Lennie grow very close and George takes the responsibility of Lennie after his Aunt Clara’s death. Their goal together, through trust and friendship, is to attain their own land to work on and own. Through a close bond, this goal is achievable because they both strive for success to make their dream, a reality.
George’s and Lennie’s friendship has a positive aspect throughout the book. George, although being frustrated at times, found his moments of happiness
I could go get a job an’ work, an’ no trouble. No mess at all, and when the end of the month come I could take my fifty bucks and go into town and get whatever I want. why I could stay in a cat house all night.” (Steinbeck 11).
With Lennie around, they both are conservative and save for the “American Dream” of owning land together. Without each other, their lives would change dramatically and they would both face negative consequences.
The two workers being close friends helps them in some way because they would not end up like the rest of the workers, mean, alone, and having nobody to talk to. In George’s conversation with Slim he says, “I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good. They don’t have fun. after a long time they get mean.” (Steinbeck 41). Lennie gets in trouble often and without George would either be killed or locked away in jail. Up in Weed, before traveling south, Lennie was in trouble when a girl claimed he raped her. George’s strong bond gave him the courage to not leave Lennie, knowing if he did, Lennie would most likely be