Common Themes In John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice And Men'

Beau Broaddus

Mrs. Dockins

English period 3

14 May 2018

Of Mice and Men Essay

There are many themes present in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. But, there is one theme that not only most prevalent, but also most important. That theme is friendship. Throughout this novel, the characters go through many struggles and endure so much hardship, but they manage to stay friends throughout it all. This theme is most important because it is something that captures the readers emotions and therefore they can relate to it. The unfailing loyalty and love that Lennie and George have for each other is inspiring and something everyone can aspire to have.

In this novel, there are two main characters; Lennie and George. They are both migrant workers who travel together and work together, in hopes to one day own their own farm. Although Lennie is a very large and strong man, George is the dominant one in their friendship because of Lennie's mental disability. Even though the men are very different in shape, size, and mental ability, they rely heavily on each other for

George and Lennie's relationship constantly builds and grows stronger throughout the story, starting at small scenarios, leading up to death. These two men had spent their whole lives together and planned on spending the rest of it together too. George knew this when he pulled the trigger, he knew that all the plans they had made would never come true, and he knew that he would have to deal with the heartbreak of losing Lennie, but he had Lennie's best interest at heart and in mind. Although this might be an extreme example of a test of friendship, it is an amazing one. Steinbeck uses a story of two men who stick together through thick and thin to show his audience what true friendship and devotion look like. Not only is one of this the most important theme in the novel, but also in