-
Essay / Ranch Workers in 'Of Mice and Men': How Are George and Lennie Different
John Steinbeck's novel 'Of Mice and Men' offers a poignant portrait of the lives of ranch hands during the Great Depression. The characters, their dreams and the harsh realities they face open a window on the struggles and challenges of the time. Among these characters, George and Lennie stand out as unique. This essay will explore how George and Lennie differ from the other ranch hands in terms of their relationship, dreams, and mental abilities, ultimately highlighting their uniqueness and the impact it has on the narrative. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay One of the things that sets George and Lennie apart from their fellow ranch hands is their strong bond and camaraderie. Unlike the other men who are often isolated and alone, George and Lennie support and support each other. As George himself says: “Guys like us, who work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They have no family. They have no place in any place” (Steinbeck 15). This striking contrast underlines the rarity of their relationship. Additionally, George takes on the role of caretaker for Lennie, who suffers from a mental disability. While the other ranch hands focus solely on their own well-being, George selflessly cares for Lennie, providing him with guidance and protection. This responsibility sets George and Lennie apart, as they demonstrate a level of compassion and empathy not typically seen among other characters. George and Lennie also stand out from the other ranch workers by their shared dream of owning their own land. . While most of the men on the ranch are resigned to their current lives and have no aspirations beyond their next paycheck, George and Lennie harbor a powerful dream of having their own place. This dream gives them hope and motivates them to work for a better future. Their dream is summed up beautifully by George when he says, "One day we'll get together and we'll have a little house and a few acres and 'a cow and a few hogs'" (Steinbeck 15). This dream not only differentiates George and Lennie from the other ranch hands, but also serves as a symbol of their determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Perhaps the most striking difference between George, Lennie, and the other ranch hands is their mental abilities. . Lennie's cognitive impairment sets him apart from the rest of the characters, making him vulnerable and dependent on George. This distinction becomes evident in the way Lennie is treated by others, who often mock and belittle him. However, George's unwavering loyalty to Lennie and his willingness to protect and defend him further highlights their uniqueness. Despite the challenges presented by Lennie's mental disability, George remains steadfast in his commitment to their friendship, demonstrating a level of compassion and understanding rare among the other workers on the ranch. Conclusion In “Of Mice and Men,” George and Lennie stand out from the rest. other ranch workers because of their exceptional relationship, shared dream, and distinct mental abilities. Their bond and camaraderie provides them with a support system that is lacking in the other characters' lives. Additionally, their dream of owning their own land sets them apart, giving them hope and motivation. Finally, Lennie's mental disability and George's unwavering loyalty to him make them unique, emphasizing their compassion and understanding. Keep..