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Of Mice And Men Loyalty Theme Analysis

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Loyalty in Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men has many themes, but the strongest and most prevalent theme is loyalty. He includes the subject loyalty in order to prove that it is necessary to create and maintain deeper relationships. Moreover, his book was written during the Great Depression, which was a time when there was an even greater need for strong, dependable relationships. This prevalent theme of loyalty also is a challenge to ponder whether your relationships are set in loyalty or not. Throughout Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck portrays the deeper meaning of loyalty through the various alliances between characters in the novel. These loyal relationships encompass faithfulness, respect, and sacrifices. One of the most obvious loyal character relationships is between George and Lennie. Their bond goes above and beyond the typical extent of faithfulness. George is constantly by Lennie’s side throughout the highs and lows of their unusual lifestyle. Not only does he demonstrate loyalty through being faithful, respectful, and trustworthy, but he also makes a sacrifice for the greater good of Lennie, when he takes Lennie’s life. In the seconds leading up to Lennie’s death, Steinbeck writes “And George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie's head…He pulled the trigger.” (Steinbeck 52) This is arguably the greatest display of loyalty in the entire book, because George is willing to take his long time

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