Lennie nearly sacrifices his and George’s freedom after he is accused of rape on the ranch that he and Lennie were employed on, but get away without being caught. The ranch, referred to as “Weed” in the novel, plays an important role in showing George’s companionship toward Lennie.
A major moment in the novel that portrays George’s kindheartedness toward Lennie’s life is during George’s conversation with a ranch hand that he entrusts:
“I ain’t got no people,” George said. “I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good. They don’t have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin’ to fight all the time.”
“Yeah, they get mean,” Slim agreed. “They get so they don’t want to talk to nobody.”
“Course Lennie’s a God Damn nuisance most of the time, “Said George. “But you get used to goin’ around with a guy an’ you can’t get rid of him.” (Steinbeck