Investigating the Themes in Of Mice and Men

Choose one of the following questions that interests you most to respond to in this week’s blog post:

1.) What different forms of power exist in Of Mice and Men?  What kind of power does Lennie have?  What kind of power does George have?  What kinds of power or powerlessness do other characters possess?

2.)  What kind of relationship do George and Lennie have?  Is their relationship a friendship?  How does this relationship express Steinbeck’s position on the individual versus the community?

3.)  Is the American Dream a real possibility in the story?  If yes, what characters, symbols, events, or other details from the story confirm that the American Dream is within reach?  If not, what characters, symbols, events, or other details from the story represent the American Dream as out of reach?  

     George and Lennie have a really good and close relationship. Even though the both of them have been through thick and thin they have made it all the way to this ranch to find a job. Although, they have said some bad stuff to the other or caused something the bad that made them go into hiding. They both have each other's back. "All the time somethin' like that-all the time. I wisht I could put you in a cage with about a million mice an' let you have fun." (Steinbeck 11.) Even when George got mad at Lennie, for asking him for ketchup. Also, for ruining his life if he wasn't friends with Lennie he would just leave him. They are true friends, because they have trust in each other and are always together protecting the other's back.

     This relationship that Lennie and George have is a friendship. In the Merriam Webster dictionary a friend is defined as "One attached to the other by affection or esteem." I say that Lennie and George are true friends they are attached to each other by affection. If not then George would have already ditched Lennie for a better life he says he can have. But, he prefers to stay with Lennie not only, because of Lennie's aunt telling him to take care of Lennie. But, he really likes Lennie and would never ditch him, because they have been through a lot together.

     This relationship that both Lennie and George have between each other expresses Steinbeck's position on the individual versus the community. The individual versus the community is not something that most do. Not many accomplish doing something alone, but more people accomplish doing something together. Without one another they probably might not have the same life. Lennie always getting picked on for having a mental condition. Without George Lennie would be lost and not have anywhere to go when his aunt passed away. Also, without George having Lennie George would probably be sad all the time. He would not feel as smart and demanding if it weren't for Lennie. In the 1930s many were by themselves and not being able to accomplish anything, but in a group they will make a bigger footprint in history.