Of Mice and Men

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   sullymonster Teacher
   Community / Jr. College

   I believe you are referring to the first essay topic listed on the link, under Chapter 1.  The idea with this topic is to look at the negative aspects for the friendship in order to explain why it is that they continue to stay together.  What makes their bond so strong?

   The drawbacks to their relationship are mostly involved in Lennie's disability and George's attempt to protect him.  George turns into a sort of boss, ordering Lennie to do and not do certain things, and getting mad at Lennie when he disobeys.  This creates a sense of rebellion in Lennie, who sulks and yells at George for being too mean.  To say such a thing to a man who is risking both job and freedom to stay with you is unfair.  George feels that -- he says to Lennie in Chapter 1: "You crazy son-of-a-bitch. You keep me in hot water all of the time."  

   So with these conflicts, why stay together?  It relates to Steinbeck's portrayal of life in this time period and setting.  Think about the bunkhouse at the ranch.  A group of men who are mostly civil to each other, but who have no friendship and seemingly no family.  This was the life of the migrant farm worker, and it was a very lonely life.  Lennie and George at least have each other, and they share a common dream.  This dream of having their own little home helps keep them together and keep them pushing forward when it would be easier to give up.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/ofmice/

   http://www.enotes.com/ofmice/q-and-a/can-one-pin-point-st...

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   Posted by sullymonster on Thursday March 20, 2008 at 5:42 AM
   
   

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