The Psychology of Great Characters: A Comprehensive Analysis of Literary Icons - Sykalo Evgen 2023

George - “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

Background and Motivations

Context

Few details are revealed about George Milton's past in the novella, leaving much of it unknown. But other hints point to a difficult childhood and a strong desire for security.

George's little size and quick wit suggest that he was teased as a child and had to rely on his wits to get by. His skill at card games and his understanding of the social dynamics of the ranch add more evidence to the picture of a life among itinerant laborers, whose survival depended on flexibility and fast thinking.

George's innate need for a farm and a place of his own alludes to a boyhood lacking in a sense of identity and a yearning for a stable life away from the ups and downs of migrant life. George holds onto his ambition of owning a farm as a ray of optimism and a representation of security and stability in the face of the uncertainty in his current situation.

Reasons for

George is motivated by a complicated web of interrelated factors, including both a strong sense of duty to Lennie and personal goals.

In his own words, George longs for a life free from the constraints of migrant work—a life in which he can establish roots, feel like a part of the community, and partake in the rewards of his own labor. The yearning for stability and independence, as well as an opportunity to break free from the cycle of transient employment and frequent moves, is symbolized by the ambition of owning a farm.

George is devoted to Lennie because he loves him and feels a duty to protect him. He is aware of Lennie's weakness and the risks he faces in a society that frequently takes advantage of and treats people differently. George bears a strong sense of loyalty and love for Lennie and feels a moral duty to protect him.

The competing demands of protecting Lennie and achieving his own aspirations of a better life further muddle George's objectives. His caretaker job weighs hard on his conscience, and while he longs for a sense of autonomy and the achievement of his personal goals, he also feels obligated to Lennie. George's character gains depth and complexity from this internal conflict, which helps to make him a likable and relatable person.

George Milton is, at bottom, a guy molded by his environment, motivated by a trinity of self-interest, a strong sense of duty, and an unshakable commitment to his friend. He is one of the most interesting and fascinating characters in American literature because of his character arc, which is characterized by both compassionate and frustrating times and symbolizes the difficulties and complexity of the human condition.

Personality Traits and Development

Aspects of Personality

George Milton has a complex personality that combines sensitivity and practicality, strength and weakness, and a keen sense of humor balanced by a profound compassion.

Fortitude

George's resourcefulness and perseverance show how strong he is. He takes a practical approach to navigating the difficult reality of being a migrant, constantly searching for methods to support Lennie and himself. He is perceptive, clever, and flexible enough to adjust to changing conditions.

Availability

George has a deep-seated vulnerability and a desire for belonging beneath his tough appearance. Sarcasm and a rough exterior conceal his emotional demands, but his sensitive core is shown by his sporadic outbursts of irritation and desire for a better existence.

Relativism

George is a realist who is pragmatic and conscious of the difficulties they encounter. He is aware of their limited circumstances and the harsh realities of the outside world. His interactions with others and decision-making are shaped by this pragmatism.

Perceptiveness

George is pragmatic, but he also has a strong sense of empathy, as seen by his compassion for Lennie and his interpersonal skills. He understands that others are vulnerable around him, especially those who are abused or ostracized.

Astute Wit

George frequently uses his razor-sharp humor as a ploy to divert attention away from his own emotional vulnerabilities. His wit, however, can also be endearing and perceptive, demonstrating his intelligence and his capacity for observation of his surroundings.

Gratitude

George is a sympathetic person who is able to empathize and comprehend, despite his sporadic fits of rage. He shows compassion for people who are in need and acknowledges their suffering.

Advancement

George changes in the novella in a way that is both subtle and profound. At first, he is solely motivated by his own aspirations for a better life. But George's attention turns to defending his friend as he sees Lennie's frailty and the threats he confronts.

George's increasing acceptance of their common ideal is a clear indication of this change in priorities. He gradually learns to see how Lennie's happiness is linked to his own, and he grows more dedicated to making sure Lennie is safe and secure.

George's relationships with other characters—like Candy, Slim, and Curley's wife—highlight his growth even more. Despite his early reluctance to create close ties, these exchanges demonstrate his capacity for emotional connection with others.

In summary, George Milton shows himself to be a complicated and multidimensional person who is motivated by a deep-seated desire for camaraderie and a better life but also affected by the harsh reality of his existence. He is one of the most interesting and fascinating characters in American literature because of his self-discovery journey and his steadfast devotion to Lennie.

Relationships and Interactions

Lennie Minor

George's friendship with Lennie Small, a man who has a childlike mind and a tendency to inadvertently hurt people, is at the center of the novella. As Lennie's caregiver, George protects him from harm and helps him navigate the complexity of the outside world. Their relationship is characterized by intense affection and a common dream of a brighter future, despite their divergent personalities.

Despite Lennie's reckless actions and the possible harm he could cause to others, George will always be there for him. He recognizes Lennie's frailty and the threats he faces in a society that frequently takes advantage of and treats people unfairly who are different. George's dedication to Lennie's safety is evidence of both their unshakable friendship and his strong sense of duty.

There are difficulties in their connection. George frequently finds it difficult to balance his desire for a better life with his duty to protect Lennie. His caretaker job weighs hard on his conscience, and while he longs for a sense of autonomy and the achievement of his personal goals, he also feels obligated to Lennie. George's character gains depth and complexity from this internal conflict, which helps to make him a likable and relatable person.

Trim

George looks up to and seeks advice from Slim, the ranch's mule skinner, as a wise and authoritative figure. The gentle ways of Slim offer a much-needed diversion from the hard realities of ranch life.

George's conversations with Slim illuminate his own abilities to reflect and establish deeper connections with people. He confides with Slim about his hopes and frustrations in an attempt to get support and guidance. George receives support and encouragement from Slim, who acknowledges the closeness of his bond with Lennie.

Their bond serves as a powerful reminder of the worth of interpersonal relationships as well as the need of finding comfort and understanding in the face of hardship.

Sweets

An elderly ranch hand named Candy shares George's desire of owning a farm so that they can get away from the hard reality of migrant labor and find comfort in their mutual friendship.

George's encounters with Candy demonstrate his capacity for empathy and his ability to relate to those going through difficult times. He gives Candy a sense of optimism and belonging while also acknowledging his loneliness and fear of being by himself.

In the midst of loneliness and uncertainty, their connection exemplifies the need for company and the need to forge a sense of family.

Curley’s Spouse

The lonely and alone wife of Curley turns to the ranch hands for company and attention, which frequently results in disastrous situations.

George shows caution mixed with empathy when interacting with Curley's wife. He understands her weakness and the desperation that motivates her behavior. He keeps his distance politely, but he also shows sympathy and empathy for her situation.

Their bond serves as a powerful example of the difficulties in navigating emotional demands in a society where loneliness and isolation are commonplace.

Role in the Narrative

Ankle of steadiness

Between the harsh realities of their existence and the potential of hope and a better life, George Milton acts as an anchor of stability in the turbulent world of migrant laborers. He is the voice of reason; the one who is aware of the difficulties they encounter and the dangers they encounter on a daily basis.

In contrast to their fleeting existence, George's presence gives the story a sense of stability. His desire to own a farm and a home of their own turns into a ray of optimism and a representation of the potential to break free from the cycle of destitution and uncertainty.

Directing force

George is more than just an observer in this story; he actively shapes the events and has an impact on the lives of everyone around him. He takes care of Lennie, shielding him from danger and assisting him in navigating the complexity of the outside world.

The plot is greatly influenced by George's choices and deeds, which move the story along and mold the terrible events that take place. His decisions show the dual needs of following his own goals and defending Lennie, giving the character and the story more nuance and complexity.

A sign of compassion and friendship

George's steadfast devotion to Lennie is proof of the strength of compassion and friendship. George's unwavering devotion to Lennie's safety, in spite of his erratic conduct and possible harm to others, is a testament to his enduring love and sense of duty.

George's relationships with other characters, such Candy and Curley's wife, demonstrate his empathy and understanding, which are themes that are embodied in his acts. He emphasizes the value of human connection in a world characterized by loneliness and isolation by acknowledging their fragility and giving them a sense of hope and belonging.

A Spark for Disaster

George plays a part in the novella's terrible conclusion. Despite being motivated by love and compassion, his choice to shield Lennie from the repercussions of his actions ultimately results in the deaths of Curley's wife and Lennie.

This terrible result highlights the complexity of human nature and the fine line that must be drawn between safeguarding the people we love and making tough choices that can have unforeseen repercussions. Despite being driven by compassion, George unintentionally started a series of events that end in catastrophe.

Symbolism and Representation

Emblem of the average person

George Milton is a symbol of the common man, the everyday person who fights to make ends meet in a society characterized by social injustice and economic hardship. He is a personification of tenacity, resourcefulness, and resolve who adjusts to life's obstacles while holding out hope for a better future.

George is relevant to readers from all walks of life since he is shown as an ordinary man with flaws and limitations. His tribulations and hopes speak to those who experience comparable difficulties, making him a representation of the human spirit's tenacity and the unwavering hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Representation of Aspiration and Hope

The desire for consistency, security, and a sense of belonging is embodied in George's ambition of having a farm and a home of his own. It represents the aspiration for a life free from the constraints of migratory labor, one in which he can pursue his own goals and find satisfaction.

For George, this dream offers a ray of optimism, a reminder that despite the terrible reality of his life, a better future is still possible. It inspires him to keep going in trying times and to stand by Lennie, who also has this dream of a life unrestricted by their present situation.

Symbol of Faith and Companionship

George's steadfast devotion to Lennie is a symbol of the strength of human connections and friendship. George is devoted to Lennie's protection in spite of his erratic conduct and the possible harm he could cause to others; this shows their enduring love and sense of duty.

This friendship is proof of the continuing strength of human connection—a force that can cut over differences and offer comfort and encouragement in the face of difficulty. George's commitment to Lennie, despite the cost to himself, emphasizes the value of allegiance and the transforming force of friendship.

Symbol of Difficult Decisions and Unexpected Results

The tragic novella's climax, which George has a part in, highlights the intricacies of human nature and the fine line that must be drawn between safeguarding the people we love and making tough choices that can have unforeseen effects. Despite being motivated by love and compassion, his decision to kill Lennie ultimately results in the deaths of Curley's wife and Lennie.

This terrible result highlights the difficulties of making tough decisions in intricate circumstances where it might be impossible to distinguish between good and bad intentions. Despite being driven by compassion, George unintentionally started a series of events that end in catastrophe.

Additional Considerations

The Impact of Loneliness and Isolation

George's life as a migrant worker is characterized by loneliness and isolation. He is constantly on the move, never establishing deep roots or forming lasting connections. This transient existence contributes to his emotional guardedness and his reliance on Lennie for companionship.

The theme of loneliness is further explored through George's interactions with other characters, such as Candy and Curley's wife. He recognizes their vulnerability and the desperation that drives their actions, offering them a sense of hope and belonging.

The Influence of Masculinity and Societal Expectations

George's character is shaped by the prevailing notions of masculinity during the Great Depression era. He is expected to be stoic, independent, and in control, suppressing his emotions and masking his vulnerabilities.

This adherence to societal expectations contributes to George's internal conflicts and his struggles to reconcile his personal aspirations with his responsibility for Lennie. He yearns for a life beyond the confines of migrant labor and the limitations imposed by his gender role.

The Role of Dreams and Aspirations

George's dream of owning a farm serves as a driving force throughout the novella, a symbol of hope and a representation of a better life. It provides him with a sense of purpose and motivates him to persevere through difficult times.

However, the dream also becomes a source of conflict, as George grapples with the challenges of protecting Lennie while pursuing his own aspirations. His decisions are ultimately influenced by his conflicting desires for personal fulfillment and his unwavering loyalty to his friend.

The Tragic Hero's Journey

George Milton can be considered a tragic hero, a figure who possesses noble intentions but ultimately succumbs to tragic circumstances. His tragic flaw lies in his inability to reconcile his personal aspirations with his responsibility for Lennie, leading to a devastating outcome.

Despite his flaws, George remains a sympathetic figure, driven by love and compassion. His tragic journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature, the challenges of making difficult choices, and the enduring power of friendship.