GEORGE MILTON
Personality
Loneliness
Friendship
The American Dream
Reflecting both anger and understanding
The one who thinks logically, and
considers how their goals can be reached
comes up with the details: how to get to the ranch,
how long to work to be able to afford 'The Dream'
Advises Lennie on what he must do to help their future
At the ranch George often plays solitaire: a game for one
Without Lennie George would be alone,
he feels compassion for Lennie
The fact that George doesn't realize how dangerous Lennie could become leads to the downfall of the dream
The dream gives them something to anticipate, a future
George doesn't see it as rabbits, he sees it more practical
"Small and quick, dark of face,
with restless eyes and sharp, strong features"
When Lennie dies George is just like everyone else
a lost soul of the Great Depression,
with no expectations, nothing to live for
Honest with people he trusts, tells slim about
a trick he played on Lennie and felt guilty for
Tense and demanding, but does it for
Lennie's benefit and protection
Friendship With Lennie
Can be rational and thoughtful, but easily
gets frustrated and angry with Lennie
Knows that Lennie was wrong for killing Curley's Wife,
but understands that he didn't mean it
Understands Lennie's lack of acknowledgement for 'death' or 'murder', but underestimates how dangerous Lennie could be
With Lennie, George feels a
strong sense of responsibility
He even takes responsibility for Lennie's death
This adds to the downfall of the dream
Lennie understands it as when George "gives him hell"
The anger fades when he remembers Lennie's innocence
Aware of other people's opinions, so kills Lennie
Others don't suspect George was involved
Knows that if hes not the one to do it the consequences will be far worse
Grateful for Lennie's company, as
otherwise he'd be consumed by loneliness
"We got a future. We got somebody to
talk to that gives a damn about us"
Constantly repeats The Dream to Lennie
Claiming they can: "live off the fatta the lan"
Cares and supports Lennie, usually acting like a parent to him
Wants Lennie to stay away from Curley's wife,
because he think shes a "tramp"
Emphasizes Lennie's power and work ethnic to the boss