Prompt: Explain the relationship between Lennie and George. How does George take responsibility for his companion? Explain how George show loyalty and compassion by taking Lennie's life.
I haven't written much, so here's my first body paragraph. It explains the relationship between George and Lennie.
First body paragraph:
Throughout the novel, Lennie and George have a symbiotic relationship that can often be compared to the relationship between a dog and its master. When the two men prepare to work on the farm, for example, George says, “…I'll give him the work tickets, but you ain't gonna say a word. You jus' stand there and don't say nothing” (Steinbeck 6). After Lennie indicates that he understands and will comply with George’s orders, George praises him by saying, “Good boy! That’s fine, Lennie!” (Steinbeck 16). This comparison between Lennie and George as dog and master is reinforced when George demands the dead mouse and Lennie gives it to him “slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its master” (Steinbeck 9). Lennie has so much unconditional love for George that he is fiercely loyal and obedient and willing to do anything that George asks or demands of him. In a conversation with lead mule-team driver Slim, George establishes this fact further by saying, “Why he’d do any damn thing I tol’ him. If I tol’ him to walk over a cliff, over he’d go” (Steinbeck 44). Akin to a dog, because of his mental disability, Lennie needs George to take care of him and provide him with food, shelter, and protection from people like Curley, the son of the farm boss. Although George is considered the bright one of the pair and does not rely on Lennie in the same respect, George needs Lennie to drown out his own loneliness and chooses to take responsibility for Lennie.
Correction:
Although George is considered the bright one of the pair and does not rely on Lennie in the same respect, George needs Lennie to drown out his own loneliness and chooses to take responsibility for him.
If it were a one paragraph essay, great. To the point, readable, and understood.
However, Victoria, I am wondering where you go from here, as you have laid out evidence (support) for your thesis in the first paragraph. Normally, in the next 2 to 4 paragraphs one would develop and smplify support for the thesis, and I am not certain how you do that now without repeating. So you may want to reduce your first paragraph and let the follow-on paragraphs do the speaking of the evidence.
My first body paragraph was going to explain George and Lennie's relationship. My second body paragraph was going to explain how George takes responsibility for Lennie, and my third paragraph was going to explain how Getogr showed loyalty and compassion by taking Lennie's life.
Well....I hope you are not making repetitions....and more and more long quotes....
You have to keep reader interested, and not (NOT) repeat over and over what you said. The reader should discover a new thought in each paragraph, as if they were on a developing adventure.
You can then use the final paragraph to "conclude" and tell the reader what you said above in succinct words.
Sometimes, when one starts writing, a broad development outline is very helpful to make the essay flow.
This is a good starting point for your body paragraph in explaining the relationship between Lennie and George. To further enrich your analysis, you can consider integrating examples from the novel to highlight George's sense of responsibility towards Lennie.
To explain how George takes responsibility for his companion, you can mention instances where George acts as a guardian to Lennie. For example, when they first arrive at the ranch, George instructs Lennie to keep quiet and let him do the talking: "I'll give him the work tickets, but you ain't gonna say a word. You jus' stand there and don't say nothing" (Steinbeck 6). By taking on the role of caretaker and ensuring Lennie's behavior doesn't cause them trouble, George assumes responsibility for their well-being and safety.
Additionally, you could discuss how George looks out for Lennie's basic needs. Throughout the novel, George consistently provides for Lennie by finding work and ensuring they have food, shelter, and protection. This can be exemplified by George's willingness to look past his own hardships and endure the challenges of caring for Lennie.
To explain how George shows loyalty and compassion by taking Lennie's life, you can examine the heartbreaking final events of the novel. After Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, it becomes clear that Lennie's actions will ultimately lead to his downfall. Aware that Lennie will likely be lynched or confined in a cold, isolated institution, George makes the devastating decision to spare Lennie from further suffering.
By taking Lennie's life himself, George demonstrates a profound act of mercy and loyalty. He chooses to shield Lennie from a cruel and harsh reality, ensuring that his companion does not endure painful repercussions. This decision, however difficult, showcases George's deep bond with Lennie, his compassion, and his understanding of Lennie's limitations.
To strengthen your argument, consider including relevant quotes from the novel to support your points. Explaining the relationship between Lennie and George and George's responsibility and loyalty towards Lennie will give your analysis depth and nuance.