Of Mice And Men

4 Pages 988 Words

John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, is a tragic and endearing story of the
unconditional friendship between two virtually opposite men. The two main characters,
Lennie Small and George Milton, are just a couple of hard working ranch hands trying to
“make their stake” and achieve their dream of having a farm of their very own. Set in the
early 20th century during the Great Depression, our protagonists are looked upon as an
odd pair, not just because of their character differences, but because it is rare for anyone
in their line of work to be traveling with a companion. The two men also encounter
conflicts which are foreshadowed by the dialogue between them early on in the story.
The characterization, setting and dialogue all effectively contribute to the meaningfulness
of the novel, making it a heartwarming story with a tragic twist of an ending.
Steinbeck’s use of characterization presents his audience with the unique
friendship between two exact opposites. Lennie is a slow-witted brute of a man who, in
the words of George, “isn’t too bright but a hell of a good worker”. Lennie’s counterpart,
George, is small and wiry, but with enough common sense for the both of them.
Steinbeck characterizes the two friends by a classic relationship of child and adult.
Lennie possesses many childlike qualities because of his mental retardation, which is his
most obvious characteristic. since he is a grown man with the mind of a child. Slim is
one of the first characters to notice his mental immaturity, remarking that Lennie is “jes
like a kid”. Curley’s wife also comments on how he is “jus’ like a big baby”. George
has taken on the role of Lennie’s main caregiver since Lennie’s Aunt Clara died. George
and Lennie have no one else in the world but themselves, and look to each other for
guidance and protection. “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in
the world...