George
1) Introduction
John Steinbeck portrays his version of 1930s America in his novel ‘Of Mice and Men’. ‘Of Mice and
Men’ is a Morality Play. Steinbeck intended to teach the audience about the importance of moral
behaviour, so characters were meant to represent different characteristics and portray the experiences
and temptations of humans rather than being particularly realistic or believable.
The novella takes place in a society devastated by the economic and social effects of the Great
Depression and one in which prejudice, loneliness and isolation have replaced the hopes of The
American Dream. His characters are very much a reflection of this society.
Through the portrayal of George, Steinbeck illustrates a fresh and wholesome character that
challenged the status quo of the time. George is presented as responsible, smart, and kind, all qualities
that seem out of place in Soledad, a place where loneliness is personified.
‘George’ has the meaning of a farmer. Through this mode of address, Steinbeck reveals that George is
a representation of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
2) Character description
George’s physical description immediately enables Steinbeck to establish him as dependable; he has
‘sharp, strong features’ and is ‘defined’. All adjectives reveal a sturdy, solid exterior, suggesting that
he is physically developed and well adjusted. He is ‘small and quick’, an indication perhaps of his
ability to think on his feet and protect his interests rather than merely a reference to speed. He also has
‘restless eyes’ which suggest that he is always guarded about his position.
Steinbeck is keen to connect George to Lennie. They are starkly different: Lennie is big and slow, and
their juxtaposition enables Steinbeck to hyperbolise their highly unusual relationship.
George and Lennie are dressed like all other migrant workers, in ‘denim trousers and coats’ and
carrying all their possessions. This was typical as many people would have lost their homes or all of
their savings following The Wall Street Crash. The widespread unemployment during the Great
Depression led to many men having to travel to the North to find work. The pay and conditions for
workers at the time were poor. It was a system that resulted in ‘the survival of the fittest’.
Finally, Steinbeck is able to present George as tender too with subtle references to the way he
interacts with Lennie: he ‘puts his hand on Lennie’s shoulder.’ conveying trust and understanding.
Steinbeck suggests that caring for another human may reward you more than it costs. This unusual
behaviour presented by Steinbeck enables him to expose the ingrained and needless loneliness
experienced by many migrant workers at the time. He presents an alternative wholesome existence
which challenges the myth present at that time that in desperate circumstances, mankind should be
selfish, and self-serving. Instead, Steinbeck shows that there is comfort in company and unity.
3) Setting
Steinbeck uses the setting to enhance his presentation of both George and the living conditions of
migrant workers at the time. The bunkhouse, where the migrant workers live, is ‘a rectangular
building’ with ‘small windows’. It is presented as unbearably restricted.
This enables Steinbeck to illustrate the harsh living conditions experienced by many during 1930s
America. The setting is oppressive and suffocating as there is a constant movement of strangers who
lived alongside each other trying to earn a meagre existence, fend for themselves without any privacy.
The close proximity to other characters enhances Steinbeck's unusual presentation of George as many
of the characters systematically question his loyalty to Lennie. This enables Steinbeck to shape
George’s character; he is defensive, kind, and responsible for Lennie. The reader soon learns that
1) Introduction
John Steinbeck portrays his version of 1930s America in his novel ‘Of Mice and Men’. ‘Of Mice and
Men’ is a Morality Play. Steinbeck intended to teach the audience about the importance of moral
behaviour, so characters were meant to represent different characteristics and portray the experiences
and temptations of humans rather than being particularly realistic or believable.
The novella takes place in a society devastated by the economic and social effects of the Great
Depression and one in which prejudice, loneliness and isolation have replaced the hopes of The
American Dream. His characters are very much a reflection of this society.
Through the portrayal of George, Steinbeck illustrates a fresh and wholesome character that
challenged the status quo of the time. George is presented as responsible, smart, and kind, all qualities
that seem out of place in Soledad, a place where loneliness is personified.
‘George’ has the meaning of a farmer. Through this mode of address, Steinbeck reveals that George is
a representation of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
2) Character description
George’s physical description immediately enables Steinbeck to establish him as dependable; he has
‘sharp, strong features’ and is ‘defined’. All adjectives reveal a sturdy, solid exterior, suggesting that
he is physically developed and well adjusted. He is ‘small and quick’, an indication perhaps of his
ability to think on his feet and protect his interests rather than merely a reference to speed. He also has
‘restless eyes’ which suggest that he is always guarded about his position.
Steinbeck is keen to connect George to Lennie. They are starkly different: Lennie is big and slow, and
their juxtaposition enables Steinbeck to hyperbolise their highly unusual relationship.
George and Lennie are dressed like all other migrant workers, in ‘denim trousers and coats’ and
carrying all their possessions. This was typical as many people would have lost their homes or all of
their savings following The Wall Street Crash. The widespread unemployment during the Great
Depression led to many men having to travel to the North to find work. The pay and conditions for
workers at the time were poor. It was a system that resulted in ‘the survival of the fittest’.
Finally, Steinbeck is able to present George as tender too with subtle references to the way he
interacts with Lennie: he ‘puts his hand on Lennie’s shoulder.’ conveying trust and understanding.
Steinbeck suggests that caring for another human may reward you more than it costs. This unusual
behaviour presented by Steinbeck enables him to expose the ingrained and needless loneliness
experienced by many migrant workers at the time. He presents an alternative wholesome existence
which challenges the myth present at that time that in desperate circumstances, mankind should be
selfish, and self-serving. Instead, Steinbeck shows that there is comfort in company and unity.
3) Setting
Steinbeck uses the setting to enhance his presentation of both George and the living conditions of
migrant workers at the time. The bunkhouse, where the migrant workers live, is ‘a rectangular
building’ with ‘small windows’. It is presented as unbearably restricted.
This enables Steinbeck to illustrate the harsh living conditions experienced by many during 1930s
America. The setting is oppressive and suffocating as there is a constant movement of strangers who
lived alongside each other trying to earn a meagre existence, fend for themselves without any privacy.
The close proximity to other characters enhances Steinbeck's unusual presentation of George as many
of the characters systematically question his loyalty to Lennie. This enables Steinbeck to shape
George’s character; he is defensive, kind, and responsible for Lennie. The reader soon learns that
