The relationship between George and Lennie

Sophia Abi-Saad       

Mr. Beattie

Honor English 1

17 September 2012

The relationship of George and Lennie

The novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck illustrates the relationship between the two main characters, George and Lennie, as one having brotherly, caring, and helpful qualities. The brotherly qualities that George and Lennie share are their display of affections that sometimes appear to be like a father and son. For example, when Lennie was very thirsty and started to drink still water, George warned him, “Never oughta drink water when it ain’t running” (Steinbeck 3). This exemplifies George’s brotherly qualities because he was trying to keep Lennie from becoming sick.  The two men also share the trait of caring for one another. For example, when Lennie always causes George to lose his job, “Always doing bad things and I got to get you out of it “ (Steinbeck 11). This shows us that even though Lennie is always messing up, since George is caring and has a heart, he never gives up on Lennie and always gives him another chance.  As well as the brotherly loving qualities they both share for each other, they are also both helpful. For example, when they were trying to make dinner Lennie, “Went behind the tree and brought out a liter of dried leaves” (Steinbeck 10). This illustrates that Lennie helps out by getting wood and kindling to create a fire to cook their dinner.  Overall Steinbeck portrays the relationship between Lennie and George, as caring, helpful, and loving brothers.