The Relationship between George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men

Seminar paper from the year 2000 in the subject American Studies - Literature, grade: 2,0 (B), Humboldt-University of Berlin (Institute for Anglistics/American Studies), language: English, abstract: Preface John Steinbeck was doubtless one of the United States' best writers. His books are still counted among the great American classics of their time and next to The Grapes of Wrath, it was his novel Of Mice and Men that reached international popularity. The book's unique story is concerned with George and Lennie, two migrant farm workers and their dream of owning land. The present paper will give a short introduction into the life and works of John Steinbeck and into the America of the 1930ies in order to give necessary background information on the writer himself and the story. This paper will deal with the two main character's relationship and the unique dream they share. What kind of persons are George and Lennie? What makes them so different from all the other farm hands? The most important matter ought to be discussed in this paper is their dream and the impact it has on their lives. I want to point out how it influences them and if it is rather an utopian dream or a true aim that they want to achieve. Furthermore, by a close examination of Lennie's death, I want to discuss what George's intention of killing Lennie was. Furthermore I will be dealing with the question of guilt in this context. Finally, I will sum up my results in the conclusion, containing thoughts and facts about one of the best books which has ever been written, and which was a pleasure of reading for me.