Abounding Relations In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Abounding Relations The novel “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, is a work of fiction that depicts two very opposite characters sharing an unusual relationship with one another. The two men depend on each other to get through the tough times that they encounter while working as ranch-hands on a farm. Of the two men, Lennie is the most dependent. Due to his mental disability, Lennie relies entirely on George, a small, quick-witted man who considers himself as the caretaker of Lennie. The two characters not only comfort and protect one another, but they also share a dream of one day owning their very own ranch where they can grow their food, and tend their own livestock. As the story progresses, the author reveals the unique relationships shared between the two men. In the story “Of
“Lennie squirmed under the look and shifted his feet nervously. Curley stepped gingerly close to him. ‘You the new guys the old man was waitin' for?’ ‘We just come in,’ said George. ‘Let the big guy talk.’ Lennie twisted with embarrassment. George said, ‘S'pose he don't want to talk?’Curley lashed his body around. ‘By Christ, he's gotta talk when he's spoke to. What the hell are you gettin' into it for?’ ‘We travel together,’ said George coldly. ‘Oh, so it's that way.’ George was tense, and motionless. ‘Yeah, it's that way’” (Chap 3). George quickly realizes that the situation is leaning towards hostility and as soon as he sees Curly’s “look” as, “…calculating and pugnacious…” he immediately goes on the defense in order to protect Lennie from any altercation. Another incident in which George displays his paternal characteristics is when Lennie seems to have difficulty getting accustomed to the new environment. “Lennie cried out suddenly- ‘I don't like this place, George. This ain't no good place. I wanna get outa here.’ ‘We gotta keep it till we get a stake [said George]. We can't help it, Lennie. We'll get out jus' as soon as we can. I don't like it no