Final answer:
In 'Of Mice and Men,' George and Lennie are foils with George being small, defined, and sharp, whereas Lennie is large, shapeless, and simple-minded. Their contrasting abilities and personalities underscore themes like companionship and the American Dream, while also highlighting human nature and societal commentary.
Step-by-step explanation:
In John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie are presented as foils to each other, a common literary technique used to highlight their contrasting characteristics. George is small, wiry, and sharp, with every part of him defined, from his strong features to his manner of speaking. On the other hand, Lennie is a large, bear-like man with a shapeless face, who depends heavily on George for guidance and protection. He possesses great physical strength but has a child-like mentality.
Throughout the novel, the differences between George and Lennie are made apparent, serving to emphasize each character's distinctive traits. George's quick-wittedness and Lennie's physical prowess, paired with his innocence, present a stark contrast in both physique and intellectual capacity. This dynamic of foil characters is used to explore themes of companionship, responsibility, and the pursuit of the American Dream, with George's pragmatic realism set against Lennie's naive optimism.
Moreover, George's role as a caretaker and guide to Lennie highlights his sense of responsibility and foresight, while Lennie, in turn, accentuates George's loneliness and the softness that he tries to hide. Their relationship and contrasting characteristics are thus central to understanding the narrative's development and its commentary on human nature and society.