The Theme Of Suffering In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

938 Words4 Pages
Suffering is an experience of unpleasantness that nobody desires to endure, but at times itis forced upon others, whether they like it or not. In the great depression it had seemed as if pain and suffering had entered everyone’s life during this hopeless event, especially the hard working migrant workers in the western section of the United States. Lennie and George are migrant workers in the novel Of Mice and Men, meaning they move around in order to find work. It is a hard life, and suffering is a common experience with all of the workers. Knowing about the pain migrant workers went through during the great depression; I believe Mr. John Steinbeck intentionally made suffering a common theme in this particular novel of his. George prominently…show more content…
Lennie is George’s best and only true friend. They knew each other inside out, and even though sometimes they are upset with each other they still are like brothers. All throughout the book George and Lennie share this extravagant dream of the two of them owning their own small ranch where they could raise rabbits, chickens and cows. They would be their own boss and not have to work when they didn’t want to. They are going to live happily ever after, finally getting away from all the trouble and pain the great depression had caused them. However, when George kills Lennie he also kills the dream that motivates him to get up every morning and make it through the day. They really are happy together. They are each other’s closest family. Even though George doesn’t show it often, he really does care for Lennie. George cares enough to runaway with Lennie whenever he gets in trouble, just to keep him safe. When the news broke out that Slim’s dog had her puppies Lennie wants one very badly. George tells him “I heard Lennie, I’ll ask him” (36). Keeping his promise, George has Lennie picking out a brand new puppy the very next day because he knows it will make Lennie cheerful. George kills his best friend and his dreams because he was forced too, not just for

More about The Theme Of Suffering In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Open Document