In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, how does George react to others?

Alienated from others as itinerant workers George Milton
and Lennie Small of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men are vulnerable to
the predatory human tendencies around them.  Aware of man's propensity for cruelty and
his own powerlessness in his isolated condition, George, who must also protect his
mentally deficient friend, is extremely wary, skeptical, and often cynical in his
dealings with others.

When he and Lennie first arrive at
the ranchhouse, he distrustfully asks the old swamper, "What the hell kind of bed you
giving us, anyways?" when he sees a spray for lice.  Even when provided an explanation,
George tells the old man "skeptically" that he is not "so sure." He thoroughly checks
the bunks and asks what type of person the boss is.  Then, after Curley enters, George's
tone is cold and tense as he responds to the son of the boss's questions, and defensive
about Lennie.  Upon Curley's departure, George asks the old man suspiciously what is "on
his shoulder"?  And, as Candy talks of the boss's son, George makes some derogatory
remarks.  Later, he tells Lennie, "I hate that kinda bastard"; he, then, cautions Lennie
to keep away from him.

Regarding Curley's wife, George is
cynical, calling her "jail bait" and cautioning Lennie to avoid her entirely because
"She' gonna make a mess."  When Lennie ogles her one time that she stands in the
ranchhouse doorway, George chides him severely.  Similarly suspicious of others such as
the cruel Carlson who desires to shoot Candy's old dog, George does warm to Slim
after the mule skinner's "calm" invitation to confidence and seeing his "God-like eyes";
in fact, he takes Slim into his confidence by telling him about what happened with
Lennie in Weeds.  Yet, he maintains his mistrust of others, refusing an invitation to go
to town with the other men because, as Lennie tells Crooks, "George is
careful."

The reactions of George represent man's universal
struggle for a place in nature.  It is George's dream to have independence and security,
to be a person in his own right; however, until he can achieve his goal of having a
sanctuary away from others, George senses his vulnerability and knows that he must
protect himself and Lennie by being suspicious of others, who, in their own weakness,
find the strength to oppress others.