Loyalty and Compassion

This is the work’s primary thematic consideration, the events of its narrative defined by these entwined principles – loyalty increasing compassion, compassion awakening loyalty. For the most part, this theme is enacted by / manifested in the character of George who, in spite of his often very angry protestations of resentment and occasional bullying of Lennie, is in fact profoundly attached to him, for reasons outlined in “Loneliness” below. It is the combination of loyalty and compassion that defines and motivates virtually every one of George’s actions – his almost bullying determination that Lennie behave appropriately and circumspectly, the way he presents himself and Lennie to the boss and the other employees on the ranch, and ultimately even his dreams of the future – they are as much for Lennie as they are for himself.

The narrative’s final moments, in which George shoots Lennie in the back...