Of Mice And Men
...and Lennie. Unlike traditional binary opposition where one element is favoured over another, Steinbeck shows how each element is valued. He sees intellect and intuition as equal because not only does George enrich Lennies' life, but Lennie enriches George's life and gives him a richer understanding of the social and natural world.
George is a small man with quick wit. Although physically small, he has complete control over his companion Lennie, the way a father controls a son. He is aware that he is more capable and responsible than Lennie. Not only is George intelligent but he can also foresee the coming situations and has the capacity to organise jobs.
"You never had none, you crazy bastard. I got both of them here. Think I'd let you carry your own work card?" (Steinbeck, 1994, p.7)
He is able to distinguish right and wrong, which shows his ability to make judgements about others. George advises Lennie not to talk to Curley's wife because all Curley's wife wants to do is cause trouble in the ranch. He can recognise profitable situations and handles them with smartness. George and Lennie have a dream of owning a farm because George always wanted to be his own boss. To achieve that dream he works hard and saves money, though he is sensible enough to know that the amount of money he has saved is insufficient to attain their dream. However when Candy offered to pay him most of the amount, he accepted it because he knew that it will help them to accomplish their dream. Hence, he agreed to join Candy in their plan. George has always been a kind, helpful and level headed person who has made it possible for Lennie to live in the real world.
Lennie is innocent, honest, hardworking and has a mind of a child. He has a poor memory and has to repeat things to himself many times to remember them. This is shown in the first chapter when he forgets about where...
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