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Within John Steinbeck's novella "Of Mice and Men," George Milton emerges as a multifaceted character whose complexities unravel throughout the narrative. His partnership with Lennie Small, necessitated by Lennie's inability to fend for himself, forms the cornerstone of his existence, while his solitary, family-less life is spent toiling as a ranch hand.
George's character is delineated by an authoritative demeanor underscored by a sense of responsibility towards Lennie. This authoritative disposition becomes evident from the novella's outset.
Lennie, his companion, often exhibits childlike behavior, compelling George to adopt a direct and commanding approach. The need for clarity in communication arises to ensure Lennie comprehends instructions and avoids potential confusion or trouble. An early scene illustrates this as George confronts Lennie about a dead mouse, compelling him to relinquish it: "You gonna give me that mouse or do I have to sock you?" (Steinbeck 8). This paternalistic stance, necessitated by Lennie's limitations, places George in a role akin to that of a caregiver or guardian.
George's authoritative nature emerges as a byproduct of his commitment to caring for Lennie, yet it also fosters a sense of resentment within him.
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The sacrifice of his autonomy and personal pursuits to attend to Lennie's needs fuels this resentment. Expressing his unfiltered emotions, George reveals his inner turmoil: "...God a'mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy..." (Steinbeck 11). This sentiment underscores his affection for Lennie, juxtaposed against the burden Lennie's dependency places upon him. George's feelings oscillate between genuine care and exasperation, often surfaced during moments of frustration, exposing his irritable side.
George's relationship with Lennie epitomizes a dichotomy of emotions, intertwining love, responsibility, and occasional vexation.
His devotion to Lennie, stemming from a sense of obligation and affection, is juxtaposed against the strains it imposes on his life. The depth of George's character lies in this intricate interplay of emotions, delineating a persona molded by circumstances and bound by duty.
George Milton, as depicted in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," transcends a mere archetype of a caretaker. His multifaceted nature, comprising an authoritative yet compassionate persona, underscores the complexities arising from his association with Lennie. The nuances in George's character, surfacing through his caregiving role, resentment, and moments of genuine affection, elevate him to a character emblematic of the human condition, navigating the intricacies of relationships, responsibility, and personal desires.
Throughout the novella, Steinbeck weaves a portrayal of George that extends beyond a mere caretaker, unraveling a character whose layers of emotion and responsibility evoke empathy and contemplation among readers, highlighting the delicate balance between duty and personal aspirations.
George Milton: Of Mice and Men's Complex Protagonist. (2016, Apr 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/of-mice-and-men-george-milton-essay
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