Critical Lens Essay: Of Mice and Men 5/26/13
An anonymous person once said, “A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” This statement means that someone who cherishes you and cares for you, understands your background, wants to pursue similar objectives, and accepts your personality. This statement is agreeable, because of this statement is implemented in both the past and present cultures. Motifs, and characterization, used in Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck are examples of how this novel proves this statement correct.
The characterization of George is an example of being a mindful and considerate friend. George is the friend, and “father- figure” for Lennie, a man who constantly and unintentionally gets himself in trouble. George has brought up Lennie since his Aunt Clara died, and has stood with him, has taken care of him, entertains him, and guides Lennie throughout the novel. He tells Lennie stories about their shared dream, set in the future, in a barn with farm animals, such as pigs, chickens, and rabbits. George appreciates Lennies handiwork, and compliments it quite often and discusses with others that even though he isn’t that intelligent, he makes it up in work. George tends to Lennie as if he was his son, and treats him like family, which makes George appear as a generous and tenderhearted person.
The characterization of Candy is an example of how compassionate and affectionate a friend can be. Candy is an old handyman who lost his hand in an accident on the ranch. His companion is a dog who he has had since he was a pup, and so he is quite fond of him. Both Candy and his dog know each other’s pasts, because they have been together for such a long time, and even when Candy’s dog becomes old, raggedy, and smelly, he accepts him, and cares for him. When Candy loses his companion, he basically loses all hope for a