Lennie's Companionship

Words: 471
Pages: 2
Open Document
According to novelist Edith Wharton, every novel must have an “illuminating event”. This ideal holds true in regards to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. His story deeply expresses the human nature’s draw to and need for a form of companionship. The “illuminating event”, one that unlocks the main idea to the story, can certainly be pin pointed within the text. The context of the work until that point prepares the reader for the event. In Of Mice and Men, there is an immediate bond between characters Lennie and George. With Lennie’s mental condition he is increasingly reliant on George for protection, supervision, and advice throughout the story. George is not required to do anything he does for Lennie. He does it simply because of the bond …show more content…
The must work in order to fund their dream. On the ranch the reader can identify many different levels of companionship and how it effects the character. On the ranch the reader meets Curley and Curley’s Wife. The Wife is always searching for male companionship and says that her Curley offers none. The reader also meets Candy and his dog. Even though the dog is very old and smelly, Curley loves it anyway. There is a bond between the two yet to be broken. Just like George loves Lennie despite his downsides. We see a reoccurring connections between the two throughout the story. Later, after Candy’s dog begins the stink up the bunkhouse a fellow worker offers to shoot him. He says it will be, quick painless, and that Candy can have a free pup from his litter. Candy says no that the dog is fine, but after persistent nagging he caves. The dog is shot and Candy is very upset. At the time this scene is of little relevance, but latter it all fits. This is considered to be an “illuminating event”. In the end, the readers connects Lennie to Candy’s dog after finding out that George decided to shoot Lennie after he accidentally killed Curley’s wife. Lennie and the Dog both negatively impacted people and their companion made a decision based on what the world told them and not their own opinion. This event opens the reader’s eyes to the semblance behind the dog and Lennie and also between George and Candy. Their decisions made them unhappy, but they did what they though was right for others. Once they realize they are now alone in the world the longing for companion ship sets back
Show More

Related Documents: Lennie's Companionship

Indirect Characterization In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

As a method of contributing to the effects of loneliness, isolation and need for companionship, Steinbeck refers to indirect characterization between the characters in the novel. One way indirect characterization is utilized by Steinbeck is by George’s attitude towards Lennie. The following quote represents this claim. Tears started in Lennie’s eyes. George tried to console him. “I ain’t takin’ it away jus’ for meanness. That mouse ain’t fresh….You get another mouse that’s fresh and I’ll let you…

Words 217 - Pages 1

Mice of Men Essay

theme of loneliness is prominent in the novel “Of Mice and Men” illustrated though the actions and characterization of Lennie. Throughout the story Lennie’s loneness is exemplified through his search for animal companionship due to his inability to relate with humans within the novel. Throughout the novel, Lennie looked to women characters for companionship, however they all rejected him in some manner. During the novel Lennie is searching for someone understand him and he “reaches out to this red…

Words 949 - Pages 4

Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

bedroom. He talks to Lennie about his loneliness, using George as an example to get Lennie to understand how he feels. At first, Crooks does not want Lennie in his room, but he later submits to it, which reveals his longing for companionship. Although he sounds annoyed at Lennie’s unwarranted appearance in his room, Crooks enjoys the conversation, as it is the only one he partakes in. Furthermore, when Crooks seems to be torturing Lennie, using Crooks’ example of George to represent his own loneliness…

Words 1240 - Pages 5

Dreams In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

aspirations and ambitions. They provide a perception of the impossible American dream and the cruel, indifferent society in the 1930s. Lennie’s immensely simple dream has a huge impact in influencing and revitalizing the characters facing adversities. Despite the reality of the harsh conditions of economy, Lennie’s juvenile mind is what keeps the dream alive. Lennie’s dream is uncomplicated: He wants to tend furry rabbits. George also shares this dream, but has a bigger picture of it. George seeks the…

Words 398 - Pages 2

Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Steinbeck’s novel “Of Mice and Men,” he shows how companionship and loneliness through his characters. Characters such as Lennie, George, Crooks, and Curley’s Wife show these themes throughout the novel.George and Lennie show companionship and how easy it is to lose it, while Crooks and Curley’s Wife show loneliness in its worst forms. The characters George and Lennie are the most prevalent example in the novel of companionship. They became companions when Lennie’s Aunt Clara died and since then George had…

Words 907 - Pages 4

Theme Of Companionship In Of Mice And Men

Great Depression, with dreams of one day owning their own farm. The two learn how different companionship is viewed by others than to them, and even how companionship is detrimental in the long run. The author uses foil, characterization and motifs to show the detrimental effects of companionship. Foil is used throughout the story to contrast the characters and depict the different effects companionship has on them. For instance, George and Lennie are foils of each other. Lennie is introduced in…

Words 1317 - Pages 6

Night: Of Mice and Men and Lennie Essay

Amador Mrs. Campbell English II Per. 1 OMM Thematic Essay In the novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the following themes are prevalent. Loneliness, and isolation, the pursuit of the American dream, friendship, companionship, and prejudice. Crooks is lonely because he is the only black man on the farm, he has no one to relate to because he is a black man. For example, when Lennie asks Crooks why isn’t he allowed to play cards he responds, “Cause I’m black” (68).…

Words 783 - Pages 4

Loneliness In Of Mice And Men By John Steinbeck

Loneliness is a fear for many people. Throughout the story so far, there are many instances where being unaccompanied is mentioned. A theme of the novel that I have gathered so far would be, that being lonesome isn’t an option. Lennie and George have been traveling together for awhile; while George doesn’t have to keep on this way, he chooses to rather than be being solo. A prime example of the fear of being alone in this selection would be Candy and his old, ragged out dog. With the attachment…

Words 536 - Pages 3

How does Steinbeck present the character of Crooks in chapter 4? Essay

How does Steinbeck present the character of Crooks in Chapter 4? Chapter 4 of the ‘Of Mice and Men’ novella introduces a character named Crooks. Crooks isn’t shown as a main character of the story, but is given much light in this chapter. Crooks is a black man set on a 1930’s ranch, working as a stable buck. Steinbeck presents the Character of Crooks to us as he wouldn’t of been considered during the times of the ‘Great Depression’ and shows us the negative stereotypes of black people in an American…

Words 1640 - Pages 7

Of Mice And Men Curleys Wife Essay

individual lives. Thirdly, Candy's dreams are shattered by his attachment to his aging dog. Candy's hope of escaping the dull and loneliness of life on the ranch by joining George and Lennie's dream of owning a piece of land dies with his dog. When Carlson mercilessly shoots the dog, Candy's last connection to companionship and a sense of purpose is severed, leaving him with a bleak future. This event serves as an eye-opening reminder of the reality of life and the powerlessness of dreams when faced with…

Words 440 - Pages 2