In this selection, readers get a first glimpse of the main characters in the story. We can immediately see that men are not equal, as Lennie walks behind George. However, they are dressed the same way. This makes the reader wonder if the relationship is one of equality or if their inequality was the reason for the relationship in the first place. This seems like a relevant event that could happen in the readers lives, so the response to this quote is great. The inequality in friendship returns later in the novel, when Lennie's mental disability begins to manifest itself. This forces George to be less of a friend and more of a parent, a role model, and an idol. However, Lennie may not be able to take care of George, but he does what he can for his friend. This fact alone will prove that Lennie views friendship as equal, even if no one else does. When they are alone, George shows respect to Lennie like any good friend. Through it all, however unequal the two may seem, Steinbeck seems to be saying that loneliness is even worse than poverty and hardship: like Lennie and George, you can overcome more difficulties in your life with a close friend who cares. YOU. as much as you care about them. This passage from chapter 2 shows Curley's wife as a trophy. The way she acts suggests that she is nothing more than a pet or an animal. The words "bridled," "bow," and "twitch" give the image of Curley's wife acting much like a cat rubbing itself against a post. Later in the story, she explains that she doesn't really have any decisions in her life. She is often bossed around by Curley and is forced to do things she doesn't want to do just because she is a woman middle of paper......on the Salinas River. However, context has a more complex meaning. The characters' poverty forces them to be untrustworthy because they literally have nothing left to lose, which keeps them on track and ensures that they don't do anything stupid or make any serious mistakes. This fact alone sparks interest in the relationship between Lennie and George and how it manages to survive. The ranch, where most of the story takes place, seems isolated and lonely. This theme of loneliness comes back to haunt the main characters, as all the characters stay alone. An example of this fleeting trust is the plan Lennie and George put in place to begin their new lives after only a few months of work. They keep it away from others because they don't trust the decisions other workers might make, which might sabotage their dreams..