Dreaming of a Better Life: A Look at George and Lennie's Relationship in 'Of Mice and Men'

Why is George unhappy when he returns to the ranch? Is he right to be upset? Explain your answer.

Based on the data, why do you think George is unhappy and upset upon returning to the ranch?

Answer:

George from 'Of Mice and Men' is unhappy because of Lennie's unintentional murder, marking the downfall of their shared dream of owning a ranch. His emotions are justified due to his role as Lennie's caretaker.

The question refers to George from John Steinbeck's novella 'Of Mice and Men'. George is shown to be unhappy when he returns to the ranch because he discovers that Lennie, his friend and the person he was trying to help and protect, has unintentionally killed a woman. George is upset not only about the brutal act itself but also about the destruction of their collective dream of owning a ranch. His emotions are justified as he had assumed a sort of guardianship over Lennie and tried his best to keep him out of trouble, but he assimilates that all his efforts have ultimately been futile.

Throughout the story, George's main goal was to protect Lennie and maintain their dream of owning a piece of land where they could live freely and independently. However, Lennie's actions not only resulted in the death of Curley's wife but also shattered their dream. This twist of fate leaves George feeling devastated and defeated, especially considering the effort he put into looking after Lennie and ensuring their future together.

As the story progresses, George is faced with a difficult decision regarding Lennie's fate, which further highlights the emotional turmoil he experiences. The weight of responsibility he carries as Lennie's guardian and the realization that their dream is no longer attainable contribute to George's unhappiness and justified upset.

In conclusion, George's unhappiness upon returning to the ranch stems from the tragic turn of events that led to the collapse of their cherished dream. His right to be upset is validated by the genuine care and efforts he invested in Lennie and their vision for a better life, making his emotional response completely understandable in the context of their complex relationship.