OMM Compiled Essay

In the novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, George and Lennie, two migrant farm workers that are the main characters in the story, have very different appearances and physical and mental capabilities, but they share the same dream. These qualities are what draw these two different characters together. The qualities each of them possess make up for the other’s shortcomings. Therefore, they make a great team and are able to accomplish goals that they cannot complete by themselves.
            George and Lennie appear completely different from each other in the story, but that can be advantageous to them.. George is “…small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose.” (2). On the other hand, Lennie is “…a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely.” (2). George’s small size can make him prone to be a target for being picked on, but Lennie’s intimidating size can help protect him. Conversely, George’s small size is useful to stay unseen when a task might require someone to stay hidden, whereas Lennie’s colossal size is not suitable for that kind of task. Both characters’ sizes and appearances are opposite of each other. Therefore, one can make up for what the other lacks, and both of them can become a good team and fulfill tasks that they couldn’t do by themselves.
            George and Lennie differ also by their physical and mental capabilities, yet this makes them a good pair because they cover each other’s weaknesses. George is a mediocre worker, but he has high intelligence compared to Lennie. In contrast, Lennie is “strong as a bull” but is mentally retarded and can’t think for himself. Lennie’s huge power can be useful for George to get jobs since saying that he comes with Lennie, a powerhouse, can make employers want to hire him just to have a strong worker like Lennie. Likewise, George’s intelligence is useful for Lennie because Lennie can’t think on his own, and he must be ordered around to do things. For instance, he won’t even defend himself in a scuffle until George yells out “Get ‘im Lennie… I said get him.” (63) George’s leadership skills are also crucial for Lennie to survive. Unlike George, Lennie cannot survive on his own. George is able to guide Lennie and help him accomplish tasks that Lennie can’t because he can’t think for himself. However, Lennie can also be helpful to George with certain tasks that requires strength. Once again, one character makes up for what the other lacks. Together, they can solve problems that they cannot do by themselves.
            Despite their physical and mental differences, George and Lennie share a common dream that keeps them motivated. They both want to live on their own ranch. George wants to live on his own ranch because he wants to live somewhere where he knows he belongs. Lennie wants to live on his own ranch so he could tend his rabbits. Their dream inspires them to work harder. Lennie becomes motivated to keep trying to be able to tend his rabbits. George becomes motivated when he sees Lennie happy with the thought of their home, and continues to work harder to try and make it a reality. George said that Lennie “’…usta like to hear about it so much I got to thinking maybe we would.’”(94), which tells us that simply seeing Lennie enjoying the possibility of the dream can make him optimistic and hopeful of the future. In this case, both characters depend on each other to keep their dream alive and themselves motivated. George tells the story to Lennie to excite him while Lennie’s happiness energizes George. Together, they are able to keep themselves motivated when they can’t alone.
            Even though George and Lennie are nearly the exact opposite of each other, they still possess a great bond. This is especially rare for migrant workers as they often travel around and don’t have time to stay attached to other people. Despite this, the friendship between George and Lennie is indestructible, even though they are two very unlike individuals. People tend to prefer being friends with others who are alike with them, so that they may connect with them easier. However, George and Lennie show that unlike friends can form a bond that is just as strong, if not more, as friends that share many similarities. There are many advantages to a friendship between unlike individuals. It can help you learn and try new things, teach you how to cope with different behaviors or actions, and it can let you meet even more different people in the world. Having a friendship with someone different than you may prove to be worth your time, as the relationship between George and Lennie has shown.