1. Of Mice and Men What does the novel tell you about friendship?

2. Introduction In Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, friendship is a prominent theme as it provides a sense of affection and warmth throughout the isolation orientated novel. Steinbeck portrays friendship as an alleviation of the solitary ranch life as he employs the roles and relationship of George and Lennie to encounter the prejudiced and lonely ranch life. Furthermore, the theme of friendship is also established by constructing a sense of warmth and sympathy in order to convey the contrast between the unfriendly ranch characters and George and Lennie. In addition, some may argue that the theme of friendship is employed to confront the emotionless and remote ranch life, and ultimately arousing conflict between these two themes.

3. Characters - George ● Small man, but is intelligent ● Good friend to Lennie and looks after Lennie’s affairs ● Needs Lennie as a friend to keep himself away from loneliness ● Shares a dream with Lennie to own a small farm o Exhibits their friendship and their same aspirations throughout the novel ● “With us it ain’t like that. We got a future.” ● “If them other guys gets in jail they can rot

4. Quotes from George Milton “We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.” “Got kinda used to each other after a little while” “Cause I want you to stay with me.” “If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us”

5. Characters - Lennie -Big Man, Like an animal -But mentally challenged, therefore travels with George -Shares a dream with George to tend rabbits on a small farm -Panicks easily and asks George for help

6. Quotes from Lennie Small “But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it all for you.” “I don’t like this place, George……….I wanna get outta here”

7. Personal Interpretation - Friendship It could be argued that the strong friendship bond between Lennie and George is employed to confront and overcome the desolate and isolated ranch life.