George Milton and Lennie Small

The extremely popular John Steinbeck novel, 'Of Mice and Men' is based on two migrant American labourers on the search for their 'Great American Dream' in which they will live together on a farm where they will "live offa the fatta the lan'". During there travels it becomes apparent that Lennie is very reliant upon George, who cares and supports Lennie and helps him to remember. The two get on well together acting like brothers and best friends which grows throughout the book building a strong emotional connection to the reader.

Personally i feel that if you connect to the characters early on in the novel you are more likely to enjoy the book and finish it, which is why John Steinbeck has gone into so much detail about their lifestyles and emotions. Since we started reading this book in my English class i have enjoyed it because i like George and Lennie and am always anxious to find out what they will do next, but mainly i have been excited about finding out about ending which my friend told me was good to look forward to...

All up until the point a REALLY REALLY annoying boy in my science set blurted out the ending and spoiled the whole experience for me, because now i find that although i am still waiting for the ending to happen i no longer feel the same buzz of not knowing what to expect as i am already expecting.

However, i now understand how important it is for the reader to understand about the characters and build a connection, as without it the whole book would be a pointless read and a waste of time as you would feel no emotion towards the two very different characters and what will happen to them. You can see the contrast between the two people on the image to the right - Lennie on the left, and George on the right - and even through Lennie looks like a giant his size is the total opposite to his personality which is very innocent and kind. George is smaller in size but is very authoritative and caring although at times impatient and demanding. These character traits are clearly shown throughout the book especially on pages 8 and 9 when Lennie goes back to fetch his mouse.

"But Lennie made an elaborate pantomime of innocence. 'What mouse, George? I ain't got no mouse.'"...
"You know god-damn well what. I want that mouse"

It's at points like this in the book when you feel most sorry for Lennie as he doesn't really understand what he is doing and George is not very patient person which comes across when he loses his temper and shouts at people. I also get the impression that he likes to dominate other people as it makes him feel more in control which could be triggered due to his small height.

So in conclusion, i feel that John Steinbeck has used a good range of written techniques and vocabulary to portray two different and interesting main characters to keep the reader focused and connected to the book.