George’s Transformation Throughout of Mice and Men Essay Example

📌Category: Character Analysis, Literature
📌Words: 812
📌Pages: 3
📌Published: 27 March 2021

Change is everywhere, as it is part of life itself. A character named George Milton in the book "Of Mice of Men'' like life, developed and grew. Throughout the story, George transitions from a proud, short-tempered individual to a distant, desolate character as a consequence of finding Curley’s wife’s body. At the beginning of the story, Steinbeck depicts George as proud but short-tempered which shows after himself and Lennie, his companion, were admitted into the farm for work, and as George went to meet up with a person named Slim at a bunkhouse. As they acquainted themselves with one another, they then spoke about Lennie. Slim was in utter awe with Lennie, insisting “‘he ain’t bright, but I never seen such a worker.’' To top it off, he remarked “‘ [Lennie] damn near killed his partner buckin’ barley.’” (Steinbeck, Page 20) Hearing Slim’s comment, George shimmered with pride, stating “‘jus’ tell Lennie what to do and’ he’ll do it if it doesn't take no figuring '’” (Steinbeck, Page 20).

George seemed notably comforted, recognizing Lennie fits in the farm, unlike the last job that they did in Weed. Because if they fit, particularly Lennie, they wouldn't have to look for more jobs or opportunities. They could stay right where they're at and earn money at a slow but steady pace. But right after that refreshing complement, Slim noted how it's “‘funny how [George] an’ [Lennie] string along together.’” (Steinbeck, Page 20)

Regarding his brash, cheeky remark and his unwavering confidence as a sort of threat, George defensively demanded “‘What’s so funny about it?’” (Steinbeck, Page 20) George, even before the story began, must've always had this habit of regarding every hint of criticism as offensive. Meaning he’s short-tempered, and because of this, people would think he’s extremely vain of himself. George takes notice of nice compliments, but shunning any inch of judgment people have against him. But no matter, as an unexpected event transpired, shocking George to his core.

During the middle of the story, George suddenly starts to worry as a result of Lennie crumpling Curley’s hand. In the bunkhouse with everyone in it, Curley came up to Lennie and started to strike him with a complex array of jabs and hooks, Lennie then countered all of that by crushing Curley's hand in one swift move. George subsequently forced Lennie to let go of Curley’s hand, as Carlson and Slim took a look at his broken hand and told Lennie directly “‘it ain’t your fault.

This punk sure had it comin’ to him. But - Jesus! He ain’t hardly got no han’ left.’” (Steinbeck, Page 32) These exact lines can be interpreted to George as well, as he’s also seen the damage, even though he’s made no comment about it so far. Understanding George’s role in defending Lennie most likely made him, as previously suggested, remarkably nervous and worrisome before and after the event as Lennie has a track record of killing things by accident. After the incident, Carlson and Slim help Curley up as George asks if he’ll “‘get canned now?’” And asks “‘Will Curley’s old man can us now?’” (Steinbeck, Page 32) George knew if this news gets to the owner of the farm, Curley’s dad, they’ll surely land into some serious trouble. It is understandable, as his dream, his hope he’s clinged on for so long can be wiped in an instant. And so, his worst horrors become realized in the coming hours.

George’s final shift into a depressive, cold state comes as a result of finding Curley’s wife’s body. Candy and George were both looking for Lennie as he suddenly disappeared until they stumbled upon the barn. As George and Candy were navigating in the barn, Candy discovered something. He called out for George and George saw Curley’s wife and asked “‘What’s the matter with her?’” (Steinbeck, Page 46) And as if George was the twin of Candy, he reiterated the same expression Candy said a couple of minutes ago: “‘Oh, Jesus Christ!’” (Steinbeck, Page 46)

There is no doubt in his head that Lennie is going to get into some severe trouble, perhaps even ending up getting killed. George claimed he “‘should [have] known'’” (Steinbeck, Page 46) that Lennie was going to kill someone. George and Candy both debated what they should do, as George said he shouldn't “‘let ‘him get away. Why, the poor bastard's starve.’” (Steinbeck, Page 46) Candy also says that “‘We oughta let ‘im get away. You don’t know that Curley. Curley don't wanna get ‘im lynched.’” (Steinbeck, Page 46) Candy is right, but George is fighting himself, as a side knows Lennie can’t live without him, but another side knows he cannot turn him in, or else he’ll die.

Going through this rollercoaster of emotion, and change. Being a proud, short-fused little person, to a concerned friend, finally turning to a depressed individual. George had gone through the toughest time. From finding a great paying job, friendly people, then all of that taken away from the grasp of his hands. With the time when Lennie caved Curley’s hand, it had put a cloud of anxiety behind his head, because after that incident, George always had the possibility behind his head that something significant was going to happen. 


 

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