Responsibility in Mice and Men Novel
Name
Institution
Responsibility in Mice and Men Novel
Introduction
The short novel the pearl, Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck, is a book that talks in parables and requires deep understanding and explains how one needs to act to make the person look like human beings. The books shape human thought in the universe. It is common knowledge that man forms a small component of the universe, yet his actions appear to control everything in the universe. Everyone desires to have a place to call home, have certain items that may make them necessary to live. The discussion will look at how several characters in the novel tried to make the universe a better place for all.
Responsibility to human beings
In the novel, we see Slim and George getting back to the bunkhouse together at the end of the workday. The responsibility here is as critical as everyone tries to remain responsible. We see Slim agreeing to give out a puppy to Lennie. The puppy belongs to Slim but accepts giving, showing kindness and responsibility as he claims Lennie is ‘ dumb as hell,’ but the latter is a well-behaved person who deserves care from people like Slim. Slim goes further and acknowledges George’s behavior for having accepted the friendship with Lennie as it is hard to find such a responsible person. Slim says it is a show of change in the world where love and responsibility become the center of the activities. He talks about rejecting discrimination and letting everyone accept responsibility to everyone who may depend on them.
George is taking Lennie’s care immediately after Lennie’s aunt dies, a clear show that George is a responsible man who deserves to live longer from the poor’s blessings. In the novel, George protects Lennie even when he falls in trouble. For instance, Lennie almost touched the fabric of a girl’s red dress when the girl pulled away; Lennie held her so strong and would cause problems which made George hit him so that he could leave the girl. George knew the act would soon lead him to trouble. The girl accused Lennie of rape, which made the mob almost kill him. George had to take Lennie with hiding to hide in an irrigation ditch. We also see Carlson attacks Lenny and begins to beat him up for being the boss. However, George urges him to fight back, which makes him beat Carlson so much, and he escapes the fight. It is George’s responsibility towards Lennie that keeps Lennie alive.
Responsibility on the dog
Lennie comes from the bunkhouse with a puppy that Slim gave him and meets George, who rebukes him for taking the little dog away from its mother. He decides to take the dog back, which exhibits a show of responsibility and care by George. Candy and Carlson appear as Lennie returns the puppy to its mother; Carlson begins complaining about Candy’s dog and how it often causes problems. He goes further and urges Candy to kill the dog. However, Candy shows responsibility, rejecting the suggestion stating Candy had the dog for many years and can’t kill it. However, he gives in and lets his dog killed out of his presence.
Conclusion
The entire novel is full of actions that depict the responsible nature of the characters. The characters are so accountable to one another both through actions and defense. Everyone wants to be successful in their dreams and remain focused. As a character in this novel, George is an example of the characters with the vast actions of care, love, and responsibility for disabled persons such as Lennie.