GEORGE Flashcards
(5 cards)
Key Traits of George Milton:
- Protective and Caring
George takes on the role of Lennie’s protector and caretaker, despite the constant burden it places on him.
His deep sense of responsibility for Lennie highlights his loyalty and the sacrifice he makes for their shared dream.
Though frustrated at times with Lennie’s behavior, George consistently puts Lennie’s safety above his own desires.
- Pragmatic and Realistic
George knows the harsh realities of the world they live in. He is practical and calculating when making decisions, especially in the face of hardship.
He tries to manage Lennie’s behavior, often getting him out of trouble with quick thinking and quick action. However, his idealism about owning a farm is always at odds with the reality of their situation.
Despite knowing the difficulty of their dream, George keeps it alive as a way to provide both of them with hope.
- A Sacrificial Character
George’s role as Lennie’s guardian means that he is always sacrificing his own happiness and future to ensure Lennie’s safety and well-being.
This is most dramatically demonstrated in the novel’s tragic final scene, where George kills Lennie to save him from the mob. George’s choice is an ultimate act of mercy, but it also symbolizes his deep emotional sacrifice.
George and His Dream:
George’s dream of owning a farm is one of the key motivations throughout the novel. It’s symbolic of both his desire for freedom and control over his life, and the promise of a better future.
The farm represents an escape from the endless cycle of poverty and loneliness that ranch workers face. It is a dream that George shares with Lennie, but it’s also a dream that highlights how difficult it is for marginalized people to achieve success and security in that time.
George’s Relationship with Lennie:
The relationship between George and Lennie is central to the novel and offers a rare depiction of friendship in a time when most men were lonely and isolated.
George’s care for Lennie is unconditional, and he takes on a paternal role despite the hardships Lennie’s condition creates. Their bond is unusual because of its emotional depth—particularly compared to the other relationships in the novel, where most characters are isolated or untrusting.
George is the dreamer and the planner, and Lennie provides him with a sense of purpose.
What Does Steinbeck Say Through George’s Character?
Loyalty and Sacrifice: George’s loyalty to Lennie and his eventual sacrifice—both emotionally and physically—show how important human connection and friendship are in a brutal world.
The American Dream: George’s dream of owning a farm speaks to the desire for autonomy, security, and freedom, which many people during the Great Depression shared, but it’s also a tragic commentary on the unattainability of the American Dream for the marginalized.
The Complexity of Mercy: George’s final act of killing Lennie is a tragic mercy killing, revealing the complexity of friendship, loyalty, and love—and the painful choices people sometimes have to make in a hostile world.
📚 Key Quotes
“Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world.”
“We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.”
“I seen hunderds of men come by on the road an’ on the ranches, with their bindles on their back an’ that same damn thing in their heads…”
“I want you to know that, Lennie. I want you to know how much I care about you.”
“We’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres.”
