Of Mice And Men Friendship Quotes

The most
recognizable quote from indicates how the need for friendship and the
dream of a better life drive the decisions and actions of the two main characters.

On the way to the next ranch in the novellas opening chapter,begsto tell him the story.
George obliges:

Georges voice became deeper. He repeated
his words rhythmically as though he had said them many times before. Guys like us, that work
on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They dont belong no
place...They aint got nothing to look ahead to.

With this
statement, George recognizes the loneliness of migrant workers, their lack of connection with
everyday society, and the unease that comes from poverty and uncertainty. However, as he assures
Lennie, who is eager to hear the story,

With us it aint
like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us...If them
other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.

Right on cue, Lennie echoes But not
us!

The reader understands that George has led Lennie through this
story many times before.

The uniqueness of their friendship is highlighted
when George and Lennie arrive at the ranch in Salinas. When the boss interviews them, George
assures him Lennie is a good worker. The boss is skeptical and demands to know if George plans
to take Lennies pay. George replies that of course he wont take Lennies money, and the boss
says,

Well, I never seen one guy take so much trouble for
another guy. I just like to know what your interest is.

George quickly makes up a line that Lennie is his cousin. Friendship among the migrant
workers is so rare that the boss cant see any relationship that isnt familial or
transactional.

Later, when Slim questions George about Lennie, George
explains again that Lennie is a good worker and adds,

I
aint got no people...I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That aint no good.
They dont have no fun.

The bond between George and Lennie
and the determination with which George builds his vision of having a place of their own is so
strong that their conversations draw in the other workers, like Candy and Crooks, who want to
participate in that vision.

George wants a better life and sees friendship
and cooperation as the way to get there, indicating his fundamental goodness. That quality makes
his repetition of guys like us and his decision at the novellas conclusion all the more
tragic.