Why Does George Take Care Of Lennie

Why Does George Take Care of Lennie? Exploring the Complex Bond in "Of Mice and Men"

John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a poignant novella exploring themes of friendship, loneliness, and the American Dream. At its heart lies the complex relationship between George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant workers bound by a peculiar bond that defies easy explanation. While George often expresses frustration and resentment towards Lennie, his unwavering commitment to caring for him forms the emotional core of the story. This essay will delve deep into the multifaceted reasons behind George's dedication, examining the interwoven threads of loyalty, responsibility, shared past, pity, and perhaps even self-preservation.

The Weight of Shared Dreams and a Shared Past

The most obvious reason for George's care is the shared dream of owning their own farm. This dream, repeatedly articulated throughout the novella, serves as a powerful motivator and a source of hope for both men. Lennie, with his childlike innocence and immense physical strength, represents the brute force needed to achieve this dream—the hard work of tending the land. George, the pragmatic planner, provides the intelligence and foresight. Their dream isn't just about land; it’s about escaping the itinerant life, the loneliness, and the prejudice they face as migrant workers. This shared aspiration binds them together, creating a dependency that transcends mere friendship. George's frustration often stems from the precariousness of their dream, constantly threatened by Lennie's unpredictable behavior, yet the dream itself is the glue that holds their bond together.

Beyond the shared dream, their past forms a critical foundation for their relationship. We learn that George took Lennie under his wing after Lennie's aunt Clara passed away. This act of taking on responsibility for Lennie wasn’t a fleeting decision but a commitment born out of compassion and perhaps a sense of familial obligation. Their past is implicitly richer than what is explicitly told, suggesting a history of shared experiences, hardship, and mutual reliance that cemented their bond long before the pursuit of their farm. George's care isn't just about the present; it's about honoring their past and the unspoken promise made long ago.

Compassion and a Sense of Responsibility

While George’s responsibility for Lennie is a crucial element, it’s intertwined with profound compassion. Lennie, despite his immense strength, is intellectually disabled, entirely dependent on George for guidance and protection. He is incapable of understanding the consequences of his actions, making him vulnerable and easily manipulated. George, despite his exasperation, recognizes Lennie's innocence and his inherent goodness. He understands that Lennie is not malicious, even when his actions have devastating consequences. This understanding fuels George's compassion and reinforces his sense of responsibility. He sees himself as Lennie’s protector, his guardian against a cruel and unforgiving world.

This sense of responsibility goes beyond mere paternalism; it’s about preventing Lennie from suffering. George knows that without him, Lennie is completely defenseless. He anticipates the potential consequences of Lennie’s actions, constantly trying to mitigate the risks and protect him from harm. George's actions are driven by a desire to prevent Lennie from experiencing the pain and suffering he himself has witnessed in the world. This compassionate motivation transcends the burden of responsibility, transforming it into a deep-seated commitment.

The Paradox of Resentment and Loyalty

George's frustration and occasional resentment towards Lennie are not contradictory to his care but rather a complex aspect of their dynamic. He carries the weight of Lennie’s actions and the constant fear of the consequences. The strain of constantly watching over Lennie, anticipating his mistakes, and mitigating the fallout, creates a heavy emotional burden. George’s outbursts are not about abandoning Lennie but rather about expressing the overwhelming stress and anxiety of his role. His anger is a release valve, a manifestation of the immense pressure he feels.

However, these moments of resentment are always counterbalanced by profound loyalty and affection. They are fleeting and quickly replaced by a deeper understanding and acceptance of Lennie's limitations. George's dedication to Lennie never wavers despite the difficulties. He consistently chooses to remain by Lennie's side, even when the challenges seem insurmountable. This unwavering loyalty highlights the depth of their bond, showcasing a commitment that transcends frustration and resentment.

Self-Preservation: A Complicated Motivation

While compassion and responsibility are central to George's care for Lennie, there's an argument to be made for a less altruistic, albeit complex, motivation: self-preservation. Lennie provides George with companionship in a lonely world. In the harsh realities of migrant life, the companionship of another person, even one as demanding as Lennie, offers a degree of solace and protection. The bond offers George a sense of belonging and a refuge from the isolating forces of their society.

Moreover, Lennie's presence provides a degree of protection for George. Lennie’s physical strength acts as a deterrent against those who might otherwise prey upon George. This element of self-preservation isn't necessarily selfish; it reflects the harsh realities of their existence and the need for mutual support in a world that often offers little. It’s a pragmatic element interwoven with the deeper emotional ties, illustrating the intricate nature of their relationship.

The Tragic Climax and the Ultimate Sacrifice

The novella's tragic climax underscores the depth of George's commitment. Faced with the devastating consequences of Lennie's accidental killing of Curley's wife, George makes the ultimate sacrifice. He chooses to end Lennie's life to prevent a far worse fate, a fate that would involve immense suffering and possibly a brutal death at the hands of others. This final act is not an act of abandonment but an act of profound love and mercy.

George's decision demonstrates the full weight of his responsibility and the depth of his compassion. It's a heartbreaking testament to the enduring strength of their bond and the difficult choices one makes when faced with the limitations of the human condition. It is a poignant culmination of the complexities of their relationship, leaving the reader to grapple with the tragic beauty of their connection.

Conclusion: A Bond Beyond Definition

George's care for Lennie is not easily categorized or explained. It’s a multifaceted bond woven from shared dreams, shared past, compassion, responsibility, a degree of self-preservation, and an unwavering loyalty that transcends the limitations and frustrations of their circumstances. It is a testament to the enduring power of human connection, even in the face of adversity and tragedy. The novella leaves the reader to ponder the nature of friendship, the burdens of responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships, all encapsulated in the poignant bond between George and Lennie. Their story remains relevant today because it speaks to the fundamental human need for connection and the difficult choices we make in navigating the complexities of life and death.