Characters
"Nobody can't tell what a guy'll do"
Crook
George and Lennie’s friendship stands out in a world where most people are lonely.
Friendship
Claim: George and Lennie's friendship gives them strength and hope in a world where most people are alone.
George and Lennie have each other, which gives them a reason to keep going.
Loves Soft things, with immense strength but mentally incapacitated
Lennie
"George wouldn't do nothing like that"
Lennie
The novel suggests that loneliness is one of the greatest struggles people face when they don’t have connections with others.
Loneliness
Claim: The novel teaches that true friendship means making sacrifices and protecting each other, even when it's hard.
Even though it hurts George deeply, he sacrifices his own peace to give Lennie a quick and kind death.
Small and shrewd
George
" No, I ain't mad. I never been mad, an' I ain't now. That's a thing I want ya know".
George
The dream of owning land gives George and Lennie a reason to keep going, even when life is unfair.
Dreams
Claim: Through the bond between George and Lennie, the novel shows that friendship can be more valuable than money or success.
Steinbeck suggests that in a world filled with struggle, having a true friend is one of the greatest treasures a person can have.
Lennie's aunt
Clara
"George. Where you at, George?"
Slim
Characters like Crooks, Curley’s wife, and Candy show how people who are different are often treated unfairly.
Discrimination
Claim: In a world full of loneliness, George and Lennie’s friendship stands out as something rare and meaningful.
Lennie and George's relationship to shows that friendship is not only rare, but also powerful during hard times.
Lennie's last name
Small
"Got him, by God."
Curley
In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck shows that true friendship can give people hope even in hard times.
Friendship
Claim: Friendship in the novel is not just about happiness, but about responsibility and care.
George feels responsible for Lennie’s well-being and future. Instead of leaving him behind, George works hard to protect Lennie and keep him safe.
George's last name
Milton