Explore the ways Steinbeck presents relationship between the characters in "Of mice and men".

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Essay On Of Mice and Men

The relationship that Steinbeck presents between George and Lennie is quite turbulent but to an extent, the relationship is founded on love and trust. George in various occasions is seen as being a parent, saviour and an ambassador for Lennie.

Due to, Lennie’s mental immaturity he is totally reliant on George and places his trust in George. As George has the intellectual capacity to think and to find a job on the ranch for himself and Lennie, George doesn’t have to have Lennie as a companion especially as account of Lennie that George loses his job, as he clearly states in chapter one, “God you’re a lot of trouble... I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail.” Here when George is reprimanding Lennie he later resents his anger, which shows that, George has dreams and hopes as well as Lennie this might suggest that, George chides Lennie out of love as a parent would do.

Also further in the novella ‘in a panic Lennie looked at George for help.’ Lennie automatically looked for George for help and reassurance as George is his saviour. This is typical of what a child would do when they feel threatened. However George needs Lennie for companionship. As he admits to Slim when discussing their unique relationship. ‘It’s a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know.’ George doesn’t mind coming across as being homosexual, if that’s what people think. This can be shown when Curley demands Lennie to speak but the conversation is interrupted by George who states clearly to Curley that ‘we travel together’ the reply from Curley is dumbfounded ‘oh so it’s that way’ his tone resembles and is associated with sexual connotation. This shows the symbiotic mutualism relationship they share. Both have the same American dream they want to peruse, both have something to offer each other. Hence benefitting each other’s presence. Therefore it’s not purely the fact that Aunt Clara asked George to look after Lennie.

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In chapter one, Steinbeck creates George being more of a parent father figure that an ambassador. When George and Lennie are camping by the river on the night before they set out for the ranch. George is seen as a father telling Lennie his favourite tale about the land that they will one day own together. (American dream) The reader assumes it is familiar to Lennie because of the way; George ‘spoke rhythmically.’ As if he had memorised it, this comforts Lennie to hear the words. This is symbolic of how a child wants to hear a bed time story ...

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The analysis in this essay starts off well but then it becomes a bit rushed and the ideas aren't fully developed. The response is a general group of ideas about the text and it need more of a focus. 3 Stars