Bosom Buddies

Describe the relationship between George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men. How would you characterize it in terms of the benefits one friend derives from the other? Does one friend benefit more or less? Who and why? Considering the definition of plot, how does their relationship function to move the plot forward? Consider your own relationships and describe one or more of them. Do you have any relationships that resemble that of George and Lennie? Are you more of a George, or more of a Lennie?

The relationship between George and Lennie is almost like that between an older brother and a younger brother. The older brother, George in the case, is exasperated by his younger brother's naive and childlike demeanor and would probably wish to rid his life of such a burden. However, because he is his brother, he not only loves his brother but is obligated to protect and watch after him.

Lennie definitely benefits from being with George. George is the only reason Lennie is able to survive out in the world and helps him in almost all aspects of his life. George is his mentor and his older brother whom he trusts and relies on for support and advice. George also benefits from being with Lennie; Lennie's physical appearance is enough to give him protection, and his strong body is enough to persuade people to give them laboring jobs. I don't think we can assume their relationship in terms of who benefits more; it depends on what you value more. Overall, though, Lennie is definitely more of a hindrance to George, and although the relationship is symbiotic, it borders of parasitism. Their relationship may cause fluctuations in the plot of the novel; if their relationship were to be stressed (e.g. if Lennie disobeys a direct order from George which causes trouble) conflict would arise.

There are many relationships one possesses: relationships with friends, with siblings, with elder family members, and with teachers. Each one has a different level of respect that is required for one to give to the other, and you give and take differently in each situation. Just compare your relationship with your best friend to that of your teacher. I don't think I have a relationship that resembles Lennie and George. The closest I can think of is with my sister and me, and even then I don't have much authority (or gain much) in the situation.

I think that if people are genuinely honest, they will worry that they take more than give in their relationships. In some cases, I am a George, and in other cases, I am a Lennie. It's very moderate and depends on what relationship it is.