The theme of friendship is demonstrated through many of the characters in the novel Of Mice and Men Two pairs of characters that this is true are George and Lennie, and George and Slim. Both pairs of friends have amazing relationships and they care about each other deeply.
In the novel Of Mice and Men, there is a friendship between George and Lennie. One example of this friendship is when George said, “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place”. Then when he says, “We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don’t have to sit-in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.”. This shows that they care about each other which is an important part of any friendship. Similarly is when Lennie offered to leave George. Lennie said, “If you don’ want me I can go off in the hills an’ find a cave. I can go away at any time.” but George wouldn’t let him. George wouldn’t let Lennie leave because they care about each other and they are different from the other guys in that they need each other to survive. In addition to this is when George killed Lennie. After Lennie killed Curly’s wife all of the men were after him. George couldn’t let them attack Lennie and brutally kill him so he gave Lennie mercy and a nice death. This shows kindness because George couldn’t let them hurt Lennie.
In addition to George and Lennie’s friendship, there is also a friendship between George and Slim. One example of this friendship occurs after George is forced to mercy kill Lennie. Slim understood how hard it was for George and tried to help get him away from the situation. Slim said, “You hadda, George. I swear you hadda. Come on with me.” This quote shows that Slim understood why George did what he did and that it was hard for him. The other men did not understand the relationship that George and Lennie had so they did not know why it was so hard for George.
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In addition to this, Slim let George talk about his life. “If I was bright, if I was even a little bit smart, I’d have my own little place, an’ I’d be bringin’ in my own crops, ‘stead of doin’ all the work and not getting what comes up outa the ground.” George fell silent. He wanted to talk. Slim neither encouraged nor discouraged him. He just sat back quiet and receptive.” This quote shows that George trusts Slim with his problems and that Slim respects George enough to let him continue talking. This is important because trust and respect are very important in a friendship. Equally as important, is how Slim reassured George. When George is worried about Lennie, Slim comforted him. “He ain’t mean,” said Slim. “I can see Lennie ain’t a bit mean”. By saying this Slim was being a friend because friends make each other feel better.
