Student Essay on Why George Is a Good Friend to Lennie Even Though He Seems to Be Inhumane

Why George Is a Good Friend to Lennie Even Though He Seems to Be Inhumane by John Steinbeck

Essay

In the novel Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, George is a good friend to Lennie although he may seem to be inhumane because he kills Lennie at the end of the novel. When Lennie and George have an argument and Lennie offers to go away and live in a cave so that he does not bother George anymore. George regrets his anger saying, `"No-Look! I was jus' foolin', Lennie. `Cause I want you to stay with me"' (12-13). This conversation between George and Lennie confirms that George wants Lennie to stay with him because George knows that Lennie would be incapable of living on his own and George sees Lennie as his responsibility although at sometimes it can be inconvenient for George. Again George demonstrates his protectiveness when Lennie and George arrive at the ranch and George tells the boss, `"No, he ain't, but he's sure a hell of a good worker. Strong as a bull"' (22). George cares for Lennie and does not want him to be discriminated against because Lennie is slower than most people. Finally in the novel Lennie is left alone with Curley's wife in the barn and he accidentally kills her. The other workers on the ranch find out and plan to torture and kill Lennie. George calms Lennie by telling him `"But not us,' he said, `Because I got you an'-" (104). George really wants the best for Lennie and wants to save him from a painful death, so he makes sure Lennie is calm and happy, and then he kills him in a painless fashion. Throughout the novel George is only trying to get the best for Lennie even up until his death proving George is a good friend.