Write about George and Lennie's relationship Write about George and Lennie's relationship. Remember to support your answer with reference to the novel and to comment on its social, historical and cultural context.

1.) Introduction In this essay I am going to explore the relationship between George and Lennie, and how it is affected by the society in which they live.

2.) Firstly establish what their relationship is like and give some examples George and Lennie are opposites but their two different halves seem to make a whole. It is like a father and son relationship. There is great affection between the two of them. George looks after Lennie’s work card and takes the dead mouse off him – just like a parent. George uses the dream to control Lennie’s behaviour – punishment and reward. George knows that Lennie will get in trouble and tells him to meet in the brush. Lennie just wants to George to be proud of him and he constantly seeks his approval and direction.

3.) Explain how unusual their friendship was at that time. Due to the economic crisis, jobs were scarce and there was high unemployment. Many men found work as migrant workers travellers from ranch to ranch. They were often poorly treated and lonely. This led to a deep mistrust of one another. George and Lennie were not only unusual because of their personalities but also because migrant workers travelled alone. "because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that's why” "'Funny how you an' him string along together.' They have what no other migrant worker had at that time – each other!

4.) Explain how they both need each other. If it often assumed that their relationship is one sided. Without George, Lennie would not survive. He would be locked up or in an asylum. The harsh society of the time meant that there was no provision for someone like Lennie, and therefore the burden falls on George. A burden that he frequently complains about. However, George needs Lennie! Firstly to provided him friendship and company – otherwise he would end up as bitter and lonely as Crooks. Secondly so he can get work easily. Thirdly, without Lennie, George knows that he has no way of achieving the dream. This is why George works so hard to keep Lennie out of trouble. It could be argued that George uses Lennie when he orders him to “get” Curley. Slim offered to intervene but George would not allow it – did he want to teach Curley a lesson?

5.) The ending This shows the real affection that George had for Lennie. He gave him one final gift of allowing him to die happy thinking about his dream. George knew that if Curley found him then he would die a slow and painful death. In the unlikely event Lennie’s case even went to trial, he would be locked up. Society then had no help for someone like Lennie. It was kinder to shoot him like a dog than allow society to punish him. It could be argued that George should never have been put in that situation. There should have been help in place for someone like Lennie from the beginning.

6.) Conclusion Sum up your main findings. In conclusion George and Lennie possessed a friendship that full of affection and warmth. However it was ultimately destroyed by the uncaring and harsh society that they lived in.

Tips! Use quotes! If you can’t remember them fully just paraphrase. If the worst happens and you run out of time, write down a few bullet points that say “If I had time I would have….” Leave yourself a few minutes to check over what you have written. Remember there are four marks available for spelling, punctuation and grammar! These could be the difference between a grade!

Your turn 40 mins 20 marks 1.) Introduction 2.) Firstly establish what their relationship is like and give some examples 3.) Explain how unusual their friendship was at that time. 4.) Explain how they both need each other. 5.) The ending 6.) Conclusion 40 mins 20 marks