In the novella, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck many of the characters are going through hard times. Lennie and George, two migrants looking for work, are the protagonists. They are dealing with many hardships, as the novella is set during the Great Depression. Along their journey they meet several people who are also dealing with hardships. Through Lennie and George’s interactions it’s clear that friendship is helping them cope. Another character, Curley’s Wife is looking for companionship to help her through the hard times. In an encounter with Lennie, Curley’s Wife starts telling him about this very issue of hers: “’I get lonely,’ she said. ‘You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley.’” (Steinbeck, pg. 87). This shows how desperate she is for interaction, and connection, outside of her relationship with Curley. Finding companionship will help her get through the loneliness of her marriage. Hope has also helped Lennie and George through hard times. Many times Lennie asks George to recount their dream of owning a farm: “’O.K. someday – we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs and –‘ ‘An’ live off the fatta the lan’,’ Lennie Shouted.” (pg. 14). This dream is later shared with the old man Candy, after his dog is put down. This shows The American Dream, which motivates the pair to persevere. Steinbeck’s writing shows that people cope with hardship in different ways. Lennie and George coped through their friendship and hope, and Curley’s Wife coped by trying to find companionship. One can cope during hardship through companionship, friendship, and hope.

Sources: http://www.thethingswesay.com/the-only-people-worthy-to-be-in-your-life-are-the-ones-that-help-you-through-the-hard-times/