Why are the differences and similarities between Lennie and Curley important to the book?

In the novel, a major theme is that of companionship in the midst of an unfriendly world. Lennie and George have been together for years, ever since Lennie had been raised by his Aunt Clara, whom George promised to take care of Lennie. In the midst of the Great Depression, the two of them go out into the harsh world as migrant workers. Both are shown to be of little education yet hard workers. Their language is that of the laboring class. Both of them want to leave the migrant life and buy a place of their own. Their hard work earns them money, but Lennie’s propensity for trouble makes it difficult to hold a steady job.

George is definitely the leader, with Lennie as the follower. George “trains” Lennie on the appropriate responses in order to avoid talking about their past experiences. Lennie is obedient, yet he has a poor memory.

Both show a shortness of temper. George often gets frustrated with Lennie, stating frequently (both to himself and aloud to Lennie) that he would be better off alone. Yet he knows that Lennie would not survive without him. Lennie’s short temper is exhibited when the object of his interest (like the mouse, the puppy, and Curley’s wife) reacts against him. He lashes out and invariably kills them. His lack of control of his temper is the opposite of George, who always manages to calm himself down and pledge to Lennie that the two of them will always be together.