How Does Steinbeck Present George And Lennie's Relationship

In the book Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie have a unique relationship and bond that couldn’t be broken. The men are linked together by their past and future dreams of “livin’ off the fat of the land.” They’ve known each other through grade school, journeyed together, lived, and worked side by side. They confide in one another. Their relationship can be summed up by a statement Lennie said in the story, “because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you.” As we learn in the story, Lennie has a mental disability and relies on George to help him make decisions and listens to everything he tells him to do. At times, it’s almost too much for George to handle, but he deeply cares for Lennie and his well-being. Their friendship is the focal point of the story, and throughout the plot line we see it’s both positive and negative effects on their lives, along with a surprise ending to shock us all.

Lennie looks up to George and trusts in his every word. At times, George feels as if looking after Lennie is just a social responsibility, but simultaneously he finds comfort and safety in the presence of Lennie. The two men have a symbiotic relationship. They give each other companionship they wouldn’t have otherwise. Though their personalities and physical features contradict each other, it gives them a healthy relationship that they grow to find consolation in. They believe in each other’s ability to make their dreams come