Of Mice And Men Relationship Between George And Lennie Essay

In one study, those who had the most friends over a nine-year period cut their risk of death by more than 60% (anapsid.org). Throughout life everyone needs a confidant that will help support and care for them more ways than one. For instance, like Lennie he has George as a big brother that helps guide him in his footsteps, a father figure that explains right from wrong through rules and discipline, and a best friend that goes the extra mile by doing the absolute most of what’s needed. Lennie and George share a complicated relationship, but through it all they always had each other’s back like true friends.
For a start, George is like a big brother to Lennie because George shows tough love like true siblings. For example, George treats

Lennie as if they are not on the same social ladder, and he’s constantly reminding Lennie who’s in control, knowledge and power wise.“Come on. Give it to me. You ain’t puttin’ nothing over (…) you gonna give that mouse or do I have to sock you?” (Steinbeck 9). By George having more mental power over Lennie, George sometimes wants Lennie to do everything that he says, which makes their relationship at times very sibling rivalry like. Not only, does this create a relationship of a big and little brother bond. This also indicates that they may not always see eye to eye with each other at times, but still look out for each other’s best interest just like siblings would.
Secondly, George is very controlling and over-protective of Lennie because he feels as if he has to be a father-figure for Lennie.

For instance, In Of Mice and Men at the beginning, once Lennie and George were introduced to everyone. George made sure to keep Lennie very close put to him especially when he had his first encounter with Curley’s gorgeous wife. “Gosh, she was purty.” He smiled admiringly (Steinbeck 32). George didn’t agree with Lennie’s` statement. Instead, of hearing Lennie out, George shut him down because he wanted to feel in control of the situation. George already knew before hand that if Lennie had any more dealings with Curley’s wife it wasn’t going to end pretty. Just like parents, George followed his instinct and demanded Lennie not to speak with Curley’s wife as if he was a child. George’s actions showed that he cares for Lennie and didn’t want him to be hurt, so he did what he thought was best and had to put his foot down. Lennie and George’s interactions show that the two have a parent and childlike relationship because George has complete control over Lennie’s decisions and like a child, Lennie

obeys.
Lastly, George and Lennie are best friends because they are willing to always go the extra mile for one another.

Towards the end of, Of Mice and Men George had to make a very significant decision of ending Lennie’s life. As a friend everyone has had to sacrifice something in order to make each other happy. And in this incident the only way to fulfill Lennie’s happiness was to exhume him from all of the worlds harm. And Lennie fulfilled George’s happiness by always being there for him, understanding his frustrations and complications of life. George and Lennie are the best of friends because they’ve gone through many difficulties and have stuck with each through

them.
To conclude, George and Lennie share a variety of relationships. The two share the bond of a sibling by looking out for one another. They also guarantee each other’s well being because they are all that they have. In addition, the two share the parent-child relationship because even though they don’t always agree the parent (George) always makes sure that the child (Lennie) decisions are of theirs to protect and defend them. Furthermore, George and Lennie are the best of friends because they both live for each other’s happiness. For years upon years could you live without your best friend?