by Lottie Hamilton

Created on: March 01, 2009

A Lousy Twist of Fate
When one thinks of a hero, the striking image of a decorated soldier comes to mind. Surely this is a justified picture, for none better embody courage than the individuals who have given life and limb for some worthy cause. But a different kind of hero also exists; a hero on whom we do not shower medals, titles, and honors. Brave people put aside their own troubles everyday to take care of those who mean a lot to them. Others will brush away small discomforts and look to the future to help someone else do the same. In Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, courage trumps comfort and pushes the characters beyond their emotional limits.

Though he tries his best to take care of Lennie, the burden of guardianship is sometimes too much for George. As the two men are sitting around a campfire, George's temper flares and he yells, "If I was alone I could live so easy. I could get a job an' work, an' no trouble. No mess at all'" (Steinbeck 11) George's dream of a normal life is his refuge; his sanctuary when he can no longer bear his best friend's frustrating company. But as much as he talks, George knows that his responsibility to Lennie is more sacred than any fantasy of solitude. George later turns on Lennie after their spur-clad boss leaves and snaps, "So you wasn't gonna say a word. You was gonna keep your big flapper shutDamn near lost us the job'" (Steinbeck 23) Hard-working, intelligent George could easily land any job- if he tossed Lennie out on the street. Because he chooses to stand by his best friend, George proves that he has the fortitude to sacrifice a more comfortable life for friendship. A friend is a luxury few ranchers have, and the bond between Lennie and George is important enough for them to ignore the few moments that they irk each other.

Just like any soldier, George feels that it is his obligation to shield Lennie from the dangers of the outside world. Patiently and patronizingly, he cautions Lennie, "'If you happen to get in trouble like you always done before I want you to come an' hide in this brush'" (Steinbeck 15) George knows what Lennie is capable of and so he takes the necessary measures to protect the both of them. His biggest fear is Lennie getting into trouble when he is off by himself; with George not around to speak for him, Lennie would be reduced to little more than a puppy dog, unable to defend himself from his tormentors. Quite cleverly, George also decides to spend a night in the brush so that Lennie will have

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