George Flashcards
Chidgeous needs to lock in (7 cards)
“Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world.”
Loneliness Analysis: George explains the harsh reality of itinerant workers. He sets up the contrast between their friendship and the loneliness experienced by most men in their situation. This introduces one of the novel’s core themes: companionship vs isolation.
“But not us! An’ why? Because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you.”
Friendship Analysis: George finds meaning and purpose in caring for Lennie. This line shows their mutual dependence and suggests that George’s identity is tied up in protecting Lennie — making the ending even more tragic.
“God, you’re a lot of trouble… I could get along so easy if I didn’t have you on my tail.”
Violence Analysis: George’s frustration comes through here. He often complains, but it’s clear that he’s conflicted. He loves Lennie like a brother, but Lennie also holds him back from a better life.
“Lennie! If you jus’ happened to get in trouble like you always done before… you hide in the brush till I come for you.”
Friendship Analysis: This moment foreshadows the tragic ending. George instinctively plans ahead, showing he knows Lennie’s actions could cause trouble, but also that he’ll always come for him — a promise he ultimately keeps in a heartbreaking way.
“I think I knowed from the very first. I think I knowed we’d never do her.”
Hope Analysis: After Lennie’s death, George admits he never fully believed in the dream. This quote shows the loss of hope and how George’s belief in the dream was more for Lennie’s sake than his own.
“With us it ain’t like that. We got a future.”
Friendship Analysis: George repeats the idea that they’re different. This quote romanticises their friendship in a harsh world, making the ending feel like a betrayal of that ideal, even though George thinks he’s doing the right thing.
“George raised the gun and steadied it”
Friendship Analysis: The climax of the novel. George makes the devastating decision to kill Lennie himself. It’s an act of mercy and love, but also of despair and surrender.
