I worked on this bad mammer jammer for 8+ hours a day, for two days in a row. So, if you have the time, is it any good? Also, I had to break up the paragraphs because GS wouldn't let me indent them. :(

BTW, this is an essay about John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, so there are definitely going to be spoilers!

To say that the terms of love vary greatly would be to utter an immense understatement. There is not a single form of love that is able to be classified as "real" or "true," for love exists upon many different planes. The meaning of love is not finite. It does not have a limited spread, but rather one that is boundless. Mutual love between couples, parents and children, siblings, and others all share foundations in friendship. Such is also a firm belief of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, who felt that "all love that has not friendship for its base, is like a mansion built upon sand," which is to say that no variant of love between two individuals, no matter their relation, may stand firmly without companionship grounding it. Assuming this statement is correct, then it may be acceptable to allege the thought that friendship's purpose is exclusively to encourage and support the growth of love. Both love and friendship’s development are dependent upon each other; without one, the other would cease to exist. Oscar Wilde also shares another unique view of love. Through the course of the "Ballad of Reading Gaol," he professes his belief that "each man kills the thing he loves, from all let this be heard. Some do it with a bitter look, some with a flattering word. The coward does it with a kiss, the brave man with a sword." As a whole, this a widely inaccurate remark concerning the correlation between a man and things he cares for. Not every man plays a direct role in the death of his loved one. Not every man is the sole cause of that loss. Not every man ignores his loved one's aches. However, it would be unfair to entirely negate any truth that quote may hold, considering that some men do play a part in the departure of the ones they love. The choice of how to do so is available to those men. According to Wilde, brave men kill with a sword, while cowards kill with a kiss. Of course, these metaphors are not to be taken literally, but their relevance is readily seen. Wilde feels that those who choose to ignore impending death by whispering reassurances are craven-like figures, whereas brave men are those who acknowledge death and end unnecessary suffering. This is a theme can be observed throughout John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, and especially during the novel's final scene of resolution, which, although shocking to some readers, is the only suitable conclusion.

There are a few instances within the novel which heavily foreshadow the events that unravel during the last few pages. One of the most notable examples is the relationship between Candy and his ancient dog. The dog is described as "a dragfooted sheep dog, gray of muzzle, and with pale, blind old eyes" with a "grizzled, moth-eaten coat" (24). He follows Candy wherever he goes and they have been companions for several years, but it is not difficult to tell that Candy's dog is nearing the end of his lifespan. There is a particularly uncomfortable scene in which Carlson confronts Candy about why he has not already put the dog down. The two of them have a discussion and Candy agrees that Carlson should take the dog out to the woods and end his suffering. When the deed is done, Candy refrains from staring at the ceiling and rolls over onto his stomach to face the wall. After all but Candy, George, and Lennie have exited the bunkhouse, Candy positions himself facing George and says "I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog" (61). By Oscar Wilde's definition, Candy is a coward. Though, he is not easily labeled as a coward due to the fact that he also realizes his own fault and understands what he should have done. George understands Candy's regret, but does not truly share the same emotions until later in the novel.

As the reader discovers early on in Of Mice and Men, Lennie is frequently described as having certain animal traits. "Large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely;" those are the first sentences to describe Lennie (2). These characteristics also allow the reader to infer about Lennie's behavioral habits. Largely, he acts upon instinct rather than problem solving skills when placed in a difficult position; he does not think rationally about the consequences of his actions. Like certain animals, he is also extremely loyal to his closest and only friend, George. So, it is then George's responsibility to care after him, just as Candy cares for his dog. Since Candy and George are both accountable for another's life, it is only fitting that they should also be responsible for their death.

The moment in which George says to Lennie "if you jus' happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an' hide in the brush" gives the reader a clue as to what major event may happen in the near future (15). The climax of all events within Of Mice and Men occurs when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife. Lennie does as he is told and flees to the richly detailed clearing first encountered inside of the novel and waits patiently for George to arrive. Meanwhile, the ranch hands are calling in the distance, trying to locate Lennie, as Curley wants him dead. George appears in the clearing and sits beside Lennie. As the two are sitting in their own personal paradise, George begins to reestablish the thought in Lennie's mind that they are still going to purchase a small farm for themselves and "live off the fatta the lan'," as Lennie incessantly says, so as to calm his nerves. As they alternate telling the story the reader has heard many times before, George draws the Luger he took from Carlson out of his pocket and tells his companion to look across the pool. Behind Lennie's back, George steadies his hand and squeezes the trigger, putting an end to Lennie’s life.

An example worth a mention is an event which occurs directly after Slim is introduced. After being introduced to George and Lennie, Carlson and Slim begin to converse with each other. Carlson makes mention of Slim's recently born puppies. Slim says "I drowned our of 'em right off. She couldn't feed that many" (35). This can seem to be a cruel act, mostly due to the fact that puppies are generally viewed as the epitome of all that is helpless and innocent, but in actuality, it is the only viable and humane action. Eventually, the fittest of the pups would have consumed the majority of available food, not making any room for the smaller dogs. The runts of the litter would have slowly died of starvation, suffering until that time. The suffering of the puppies was not necessary, so Slim knew that putting a halt to the animals' future distress was the most merciful action, which comes into play towards the end of the novel. Another interesting thought is that, in order for some of the puppies to live, the others had to die. If applied to George and Lennie's relationship, it can be reasoned that in order for George to succeed, it was crucial that Lennie die, so as not to hinder his progress.

It is evident that Candy's words of regret and sorrow stay with George through the end of the novel. George understands the grief and pain that was coursing through Candy's veins on the night that he made the mistake of allowing a complete stranger to be the one to put his dog out its misery. To willingly let another be the cause of a loved one's demise must be an agonizing feeling. Even if it is an arduous task, he knows, that as Lennie's best friend, it is his duty to do so. Both old Candy and George comprehend this idea: Candy, after experiencing it first hand, and George, after having to observe Candy's struggles with the same situation. George's way of going about killing Lennie is a synthesis of both of Oscar Wilde's views of bravery and cowardice. He is neither overly comforting nor indifferent; he cares enough to attempt to mollify his friend before he ends his life. Even though it is unnecessary to do so, George feels that Lennie has no reason not die while in a content state.

George is faced with a burdensome decision that most people would be fortunate enough to never have to make. Though, he chooses the route he does out of his love for Lennie, even though, obviously, it requires a significant effort on George's part to do so. In many ways, the connection between two friends may be more binding and intimate than that of a romantic relationship. By observing those who have an extremely strong friendship with another, it is nearly impossible to discern the difference between friendship and love.

Thanks,
TheBlueCasket