Of Mice and Men: karakterer og miljø

Of Mice and Men is a novella written by John Steinbeck in 1937. It tells the tragic story of two ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, travelling around California desperately looking for jobs during the Great Depression. George and Lennie have a rather unique relationship which is very similar to a parent/child-relationship, with George being Lennie’s mature guardian. Ironically, Lennie is much larger than George physically. Lennie is cognitively challenged and has therefore a very childish nature. This is apparent from the very beginning of the novella when the characters are first presented. In the beginning of the novella, George and Lennie decide to spend the night in the woods. George sends Lennie out to get wood while he prepares food. As soon as Lennie comes back, he senses that he is hiding a mouse in his hand and tells him to hand it over to which Lennie responds with “I don't know why I can't keep it. It ain't nobody's mouse. I didn't steal it. I found it lyin' right beside the road.” (p. 5 l. 8-9). This interaction illustrates George’s parental role. Without George, Lennie would probably not be able to survive on his own.

Although Lennie is clearly mentally unable to live without George, they are in fact both co-dependent on one another. Due to George’s small frame, he lacks the physical strength which Lennie possesses. Physically, Lennie acts as George’s guardian while George plays the role of Lennie’s caretaker. Another thing highlighting their co-dependence is their shared dream for the future. They are saving up to buy a few acres of land, where they eventually will build a house and get a bunch of animals. This shared dream is the only motivation to endure the hard labor they go through every day. They are each other’s source of hope.