During life, people become great friends with other people. Friends are loyal companions. They always have each other’s backs and are there for them whenever they need them and this is a very special relationship.
In the short novel Of Mice and Men by author John Steinback, a numerous amount of these relationships are formed. Each one of these relationships is unique. Friendships form between Candy and his dog, Crooks and Lennie, and George and Lennie. Many people say a dog is man's best friend.
No other statement could better describe the relationship between Candy and his dog.Candy has had his dog “since he was a pup. Herded sheep with him" and enjoys being with him all of the time (44). The dog is very important to Candy and he doesn’t care if he’s old and has no teeth. Carlson wanted Candy to get rid of his dog because he hated how it was old and made the place smell. Candy’s dog “ got no teeth, he’s all stiffed with rheumatism” and was no good to Candy according to Carlson (44) Carlosn just wanted Candy to kill his dog so the smell would go away and put the dog out of its misery, but Candy kept arguing how he has had the dog so long and couldn’t kill him.
Candy gave some thought about having the dog killed, and he came to the conclusion of having Carlson do the dirty work. Carlson killed the dog, but Candy regretted it because he wishes he could have “at least killed him instead of Carlson” killing him. (61) Candy feels guilty that didn’t kill his own dog. Lennie and Crooks form the most unique relationship in the novel. There relationship is very uncommon and odd during the time period the novel takes place because it is between a white and black man.
At first, Crooks doesn’t want Lennie to come in and wants to be left alone.Lennie has “no right to come in” his room" according to Crooks (68). Crooks is not wanted in the men’s bunkhouse, so he feels no one should be allowed in his room. Lennie asks him why he isn’t wanted in the bunkhouse and Crooks tells him it’s because he’s black.
The other men “thought that he smelled”, but so did Crooks. (68) When people say they want to be left alone, nothing could make them happier than a great friend. Eventually, after Lennie keeps bugging Crooks, he tells Lennie to "Come on in and set awhile" because he felt comfortable around Lennie (69).The idea that when people say that they want isolation, all they really want is a friend to talk to.
George and Lennie's friendship is the strongest relationship in the novel. They have been friends since they were young, and George takes care of Lennie and tries to keep Lennie out of trouble. Lennie obeys George and helps him out much as he can. Lennie and George are “gonna' roll up a stake" and save up money to buy the land they want (50).
They are going to be with each other for the rest of their lives. George doesn’t care that George is mentally disabled.George began to take care of him “When his Aunt Clara died, Lennie just come along with me out workin’. Got kinda used to each other after a little while. " And stayed with him (40). They know each other so well that they know when they’re lying.
Lennie had a dead mouse in his pocket and told George that he “wasn’t hiding anything”, but George told him to give it to him (5). George must know Lennie real well since he knew he was hiding something, and when you really know someone you have a strong relationship.He didn't know he would have to end Lennie's life, but even when he did kill Lennie, George made Lennie feel good and told him he wasn’t mad and then killed him. Friends will Do what they think is best for each other. They are with each other in times of sorrow and try to cheer each other up. They always know how to make each other fell better.
Candy and his dog have a very close relationship. Lennie and Crooks have a unique, but friendly relationship. George and Lennie have a very strong relationship.
