Of Mice and Men

Keerthi Morisetty

Ms. Hodde

9AA English, 1st Hour

5 January 2017

Of Mice and Men

When someone runs into an obstacle while trying to solve a complex math equation, does he/she give up or find a different way to get the answer? In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, George and Lennie run into many obstacles in their friendship and while trying to achieve their dream. Regardless of their struggles, they always try to maintain their friendship. The two most important thematic statements are that friendship is very important to have and that a person should always follow his/her dream no matter what obstacles they come across.

          One important thematic statement is that friendship is very important. In Of Mice and Men, George is the most supportive friend that Lennie has. For example, after playing a game of horseshoes, George and Slim sit in the bunkhouse and talk about why George and Lennie came to the ranch. George tells Slim that Lennie innocently grabbed a girl’s dress in Weed, and misunderstanding his intentions, the other workers chase after them (Steinbeck 40-2). If George had not helped Lennie escape from Weed, Lennie would have most likely died at the hands of the angry workers. Additionally, when George finds out that Curley's wife is murdered, he knows it is Lennie who killed her. After Lennie runs away, knowing that he would get into big trouble, George finds him near the river and tells Lennie to look off in the distance and to think about tending the rabbits, which makes Lennie happy. George makes this opportunity and shoots Lennie in the back of his head (Steinbeck 105-6). Because George treasures their friendship so much, he makes Lennie’s death more merciful than it would have been. George’s actions and kindness towards Lennie show how deeply their friendship was valued.

         In addition, a person should pursue his/her dream no matter how many obstacles they come across. George and Lennie come across many obstacles pursuing their dream, which is to be their own bosses. When George and Lennie sit in the bunkhouse, they describe to each other living “off the fatta the lan” and becoming their own bosses; they plan to do this by saving up all their money for a couple of months (Steinbeck 58). George and Lennie overcome this obstacle by pooling their money to get the piece of land. Furthermore, George’s problem, shortage of money prevents him from buying the farmhouse as soon as possible. When Candy overhears George and Lennie’s conversation about their dream, George has to explain to Candy their entire plan about the farmhouse. George says that Candy can contribute to the payment of the farm; Candy suggests doing work such as hoeing the garden or washing the dishes (Steinbeck 60-1). George tries to work through his shortage of money with the help of Candy to achieve his dream. Even though George and Lennie never buy the farmhouse, they put in the effort and tried to make it happen.