Lennie's Friendship

There is an old saying that says, “Great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, impossible to forget.” In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, George and Lennie take care, support, and sacrifice for one another. George and Lennie’s relationship shows us the true meaning of friendship throughout this story.

George and Lennie take care of one another. The author states “ I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why” (Steinbeck 14). This is an example showing that they have each other’s back and are willing to help out one another. It also shows that their friendship is held solid. Steinbeck also states “ You got George. You know he’s goin’ to come back. S’pose you didn’t have nobody” (72).

This infers that Lennie can count on George and never has doubts on him. This stands out in their friendship because no one likes to be let down especially Lennie. “… enough beans for 4 men”(10) is also said. This explains that George knows everything about Lennie and what great qualities he has. To have a good friendship you have to know their joys and discomforts like George knows Lennie’s. Therefore, George and Lennie’s friendship shows how caring they are.
George and Lennie support one another in striving after their shared dream. The author states in the story, “I can still tend the rabbits George? I didn’t mean no harm, George” (65). This shows that Lennie is really eager to tend the rabbits and doesn’t want George to take that hope away from him. Even though Lennie has hurt many animals in the past George still backs him up and believes that he is responsible enough to tend the rabbits. Steinbeck also states, “ An live offa the fatta the lan” (14). This is an example of showing that Lennie is very excited to start his dream with George beside him.