In John Steinbeck's, 'Of Mice and Men', although Lennie causes problems for George, he's better with him. While Lennie causes trouble for George, he also provides him with many benefits. Because Lennie is so big and powerful, they can get more job and more money to make their dreams come true. They both share a dream which is possible when they work and belong to each other. They both have benefits from the relationship between them. Without Lennie, George also would have to travel alone. On the other hand, Lennie's company gives George a secret sense of security.
Lennie is a superior ranch worker. His limitless strength and power, forces George to endure their relationship. Without Lennie, he would have less employment opportunities. In the novel, Slim says: "Say, you sure was right about him. Maybe he ain't bright, but I never seen such a worker. He damn near killed his partner bucking barley...God
English: John Steinbeck
Lennie James
Lennie Jamesalmighty, I never seen such a strong guy." Lennie's uncapped strength caught Slim's attention. Without Lennie, George would not only have less employment opportunities but he would also have a lot of loneliness as well.
The relationship between George and Lennie depends on their benefits, mostly about their dreams. It's George and Lennie's dream, which was to have a piece of their own land with their own little house and grow crops on it and "tend the rabbits." , that connects Lennie and George to each other so strongly. Despite the fact that they're working together to achieve their dream, they are also satisfacting their fear of loneliness. George says to Lennie: "People who travel from place to place looking work are the loneliest guys in the world because they don't have family and they belong no place." By this speech, George brings openness to their social situation. He also says: "I got you and you got me." That is a kind of loneliness as well, they only have got each other to trust. George's fear of being alone also forces him to make a relationship with Lennie. He shows annoyance with Lennie's foolish behaviour but he knows Lennie's friendship is better than being alone, and cares for him. Like Candy, George fears to be thrown out when he becomes useless. That's why he holds on his dreams as much as he can.
Everyone in the ranch has dreams; Candy's dream is, not to be thrown out of the ranch and to become involved with George and Lennies dream not only for the security but also for the company. If people work together, their dream could come true quicker. George knew that and interested in relationship with Candy, when Candy offered his partnership. "They fell into silence. They looked at one another, amazed...George said reverently: 'Jesus Christ! I bet we could swing her!' His eyes were full of wonder." This quote shows George's growing hope about their dreams. While he was accepting Candy's partnership, he was one step closer to achieving his dream. And also, he understands that, best way to make his dream come true is with unity.
In conclusion, there are several reasons that force George to endure his relationship with Lennie such as Lennie's unrivaled strength that enables them to do more work than others and George's fear of to be thrown out and being alone He is more likely to achieve his dreams and far away from his fears when he is with Lennie.
Lennie James
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Lennie James