George Milton (Junior Cert English): Revision Notes
George Milton
George Milton serves as one of the central characters in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," representing the intelligent and practical partner in his relationship with Lennie Small. Understanding George's complex character is essential for grasping the novel's key themes of friendship, responsibility, and the American Dream.
Physical appearance and personality
George presents a stark physical contrast to his companion Lennie. He is portrayed as a small, quick-moving man with sharp, intelligent features and restless eyes. This physical description immediately establishes him as alert and perceptive, qualities that become crucial throughout the novel.
The author uses specific descriptive language to highlight George's mental sharpness. Words like "quick," "restless," and "sharp" not only describe his physical appearance but also reflect his quick thinking and intelligence. This creates an immediate contrast with Lennie's large, slow-moving character, emphasising how different these two friends are from each other.
George's small stature becomes significant when we consider the world of migrant workers in which he operates. Despite being physically smaller than most men around him, his intelligence and wit allow him to navigate challenging situations and protect both himself and Lennie.
The burden of responsibility
George carries the enormous responsibility of caring for Lennie, which creates both devotion and frustration in his character. This responsibility weighs heavily on him throughout the novel, as he must constantly think ahead and protect Lennie from the consequences of his actions.
Due to Lennie's mental disability, George frequently finds himself in stressful situations where he must cover up for his friend's mistakes or get them both out of trouble. This burden sometimes leads to outbursts of anger, though George typically regrets these moments quickly. His frustration stems not from lack of caring, but from the overwhelming nature of his protective role.
Textual Analysis: George's Frustration
When George becomes frustrated with Lennie's forgetfulness, he often uses rhetorical questions that reveal his exasperation: "So you forgot that awready, did you? I gotta tell you again, do I?"
These questions highlight George's frustration because he knows Lennie cannot truly answer them due to his mental limitations. The rhetorical nature emphasises George's isolation in dealing with these challenges.
The value of friendship
Despite the challenges, George deeply values his friendship with Lennie and recognises how special their bond is in the harsh world of migrant workers. He understands that most men in their situation would be completely alone, moving from job to job without any companionship or support.
George expresses this appreciation when he tells Lennie: "With us it ain't like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us." The repetition of plural pronouns "we," "us," and "our" throughout his speech emphasises their unity and togetherness. This language choice shows how George sees himself and Lennie as a team, unlike the isolated men they work alongside.
His use of short, definite statements about their relationship builds up the impression of their closeness and mutual dependence. George presents their friendship as something unique and valuable in a world where most people are completely alone.
George's appreciation of their friendship reveals a crucial theme in the novel: in the harsh world of migrant workers during the Great Depression, companionship was rare and precious. This makes their bond even more significant and tragic.
Protective and caring nature
George's most defining characteristic is his protective instinct towards Lennie. Even in the novel's most difficult moments, George prioritises Lennie's wellbeing and emotional comfort. This caring nature drives many of his decisions throughout the story.
When George faces the impossible situation at the novel's end, his primary concern remains Lennie's feelings and peace of mind. In their final conversation, George reassures his friend: "No, Lennie, I ain't mad. I never been mad, an' I ain't now. That's a thing I want ya to know." This gentle reassurance shows George's fundamental kindness, even when making the most difficult decision of his life.
George's protective nature extends beyond physical safety to emotional protection. He wants Lennie to die peacefully, knowing that George cares about him and isn't angry. This demonstrates the depth of George's love and his willingness to sacrifice his own emotional wellbeing to spare Lennie from fear or confusion.
The final scene between George and Lennie represents the ultimate expression of George's protective nature. Rather than allowing others to harm Lennie or letting him face a terrifying death, George takes on the burden of ending his friend's life himself, ensuring Lennie's final moments are filled with hope and love rather than fear.
Intelligence and quick thinking
Throughout the novel, George's intelligence serves as a survival tool for both men. His ability to think quickly and adapt to situations allows them to find work and avoid serious trouble for as long as possible. This mental agility contrasts sharply with Lennie's simple thinking patterns.
George often has to think several steps ahead, anticipating potential problems that Lennie might cause and preparing solutions in advance. His sharp mind allows him to understand social situations and navigate the complex relationships with other workers, bosses, and townspeople.
This intelligence also makes George aware of the limitations of their situation. Unlike Lennie, who can fully believe in their shared dream of owning a farm, George understands the harsh realities that make this dream nearly impossible to achieve.
George's intelligence creates a tragic irony in the novel: while his quick thinking keeps them alive and employed, it also makes him fully aware of how impossible their dreams truly are, adding to his emotional burden.
Key Points to Remember:
- George serves as both protector and companion to Lennie, creating a unique friendship in a world of isolated migrant workers
- His physical description (small, quick, sharp) contrasts directly with Lennie's characteristics, emphasising their differences
- George experiences both frustration and deep gratitude regarding his relationship with Lennie, showing the complexity of caring for someone with special needs
- His intelligence and quick thinking serve as survival tools that benefit both men throughout their journey
- George's ultimate act of protection demonstrates the depth of his caring nature and his willingness to make personal sacrifices for Lennie's wellbeing