George Sacrifice

In a time of hardship, sacrifices must be made to reach prosperity. Throughout the thirties, the Great Depression took place and hardship was inevitable. People had to sacrifice great things to protect their families, friends, and themselves. In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, a theme of sacrifice is developed through the hardship and conflict of characters including George sacrificing his enjoyment of life for friendship, Curleyś wife's sacrificing her dreams happiness for a wealthy life, and Candy willing to sacrifice all of his money in fear of being let go.
From the beginning of the story, we learn that George has sacrificed a lot of his enjoyment of life to care for Lennie. George has given up a normal lifestyle to give

Lennie a good one, ¨If I was alone I could live so easy. I could get a job and work and no trouble. When the end of the month come I could get my fifty bucks and go into town and get whatever I want”(11). Most men travel alone that way they don’t have the trouble of caring for someone else. However, George gives up some of his money and his time and travels with a companion who puts George through trouble. George is willing to make this sacrifice to ensure Lennie is safe, ¨I want you to stay with me Lennie, somebody’d shoot you for a coyote if you was by yourself”(13). Although it frustrates George that he can’t live a normal life, he does it for Lennie. This friendship is the most prevalent example of sacrifice in the story as it is clear George is giving up a lot for his friendship.
Economic destitution was common during the Great Depression so it is no surprise that sacrifice is shown through Curley's wife, she feels forced to sacrifice her dreams and happiness for a more wealthy life.

While Curleyś wife is talking to the boys in Crookś room she tells them about her dream, ¨I coulda went on with shows, not just one neither. An a guy told me he could put me in pitchers”(78). She never wanted to live on a farm alone with nothing to do. She wanted to be in shows and make money. However, we learn he mother told her she was too young. Later in the story, she was telling Lennie about why she married Curley, “Well, I wasn’t gonna stay no place where I couldn’t get nowhere or make something of myself, an’ where they stole your letters, I ask her if she stole it, too, an’ she says no. So I married Curley. Met him out to the Riverside Dance Palace that same night”(87). She “don’t like Curley”(89). Because “he ain’t a nice fella”(89). Curley's wife sacrificed her happiness to be somewhere where she could make something of herself.
Candy, with one arm and his old age, was shown to sacrifice all of his money because he knew soon he would be let go. George and Lennie were talking about their dream of having a farm and Candy heard them. He then made a hopeful offer, “S’pose I went with you guys, that’s three hundred and I got fifty more comin”(59). This was all of the money that Candy had and he was willing to give all of it up. He knew he didn't have much time left

at the farm, “I got hurt four years ago they’ll can me soon”(60). In order to have a hopeful future Candy offered to give all of his money to the boys to live with them.
John Steinbeck uses the struggle of George, Curleyś Wife, and Candy to show sacrifice. George gave up his basic life enjoyment to care for Lennie, for friendship. Curley’s wife gave up her dreams of becoming a showgirl to make sure she would be well off. Last Candy was willing to give up all his money for a sure place to stay. The three of these characters teach us to reach prosperity and your desires sometimes you have to make big sacrifices.