How does a companion influence your life? Friends are essential for emotional stability. John Steinbeck, in his novel Of Mice and Men, reveals that “a guy requires somebody.” People who don’t have friends are lonely and isolated, as is the case with most ranchers. Lennie and George, both intelligent but weak, form a close friendship that serves their mutual interests. They both draw on the strengths of each other, which helps them bring out their best.

George and Lennie are unique because of their friendship. Because they each have someone to look after, they are different from the rest of the characters in this story. Many are baffled when they arrive at ranch. “I don’t think many men travel together… I don’t understand why. Maybe every person in the entire world is scared about each other.” (17). At the height of the Great Depression, people didn’t travel together. It is this reason that their partnership still surprises and puzzles many ranch men. After Lennie and George were quizzed, George spoke out to Slim. Their relationship is mutually beneficial and not only for Lennie’s survival. George is a smart man and is able help Lennie with social mishaps. But he’s small and fragile. Lennie is stronger and just as responsible as George. George tells Lennie never to pick a fighting, and Lennie doesn’t hesitate to use his strength against him or hurt anyone. George can use Lennie’s strength in certain situations. Lennie, on the other hand, uses George’s strengths as a guide through daily life. A close friendship has another advantage: you won’t feel lonely as you grow up. Life becomes more interesting and exciting when there is someone to share it. Lennie and George would often have fights, but they never meant to. George, ‘I was only foolin’ I don’t need any ketchup. I would not eat ketchup if it were right next to me. . . George, I would not eat any. It would be all yours. It would be easy to cover all your beans in it, but I would not touch it. “(14). George would yell and tell Lennie that if Lennie didn’t have his friend, he could make whatever he wanted. When in fact George meant nothing of the sort. George loved having Lennie as a friend so that he didn’t feel lonely. Lennie was a simple man and couldn’t understand half of what George was saying. However, he knew George would get upset about simple things like ketchup. Lennie would be sorry, as he was also grateful to George for going on his travels with him and didn’t want George to leave. He knew that although he was not able to understand all the details, he could trust that George would always be there for him. Their friendship went beyond the obvious. They shared a common dream. They longed for a piece land to call their own. George is Lennie’s companion. Of Mice and Men Steinbeck is clear about the importance of friendship and companionship. The surprise of seeing George and Lennie together was shocking for the group of ranch workers who had felt alone. This was a rare and wonderful experience. It allowed each individual to share their hopes and helped them find balance.