Essay Sample: What Mike Wazowski Teaches Us About Friendship

Most people interpret the concept of friendship as a mix of mutual understanding, support, shared experiences, and a willingness to be part of another person’s life without expecting any form of compensation. This is why Mike Wazowski from Disney-Pixar's Monsters, Inc. is a perfect subject for studying friendship. His actions throughout the original film and its prequel (Monsters University) illustrate how he perceives friendship and the important lessons he unintentionally teaches all viewers.

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Loyalty in the Face of Adversity

One of the best examples of friendship is the relationship between Mike and Sulley. Both of these monsters work at the same company, and their goal is the same: to scare children. When Sulley decided to protect a human child, Boo, Mike saw it as a bad idea. The very thought of going against the corporation and putting his own life at risk was perhaps the most rational one that could have occurred.

However, Mike is a good friend and understands that helping Sulley and the little girl he’s hiding is important. That’s why the small monster demonstrates one of the most crucial traits of any friend – loyalty. He realizes he’s not taking risks or sacrificing just because his friend asked him to. He does it because it’s profoundly important and the right thing to do in the context of friendship and helping another living being. This is the first and one of the most significant lessons Mike Wazowski teaches us.

The Power of Emotional Support

As the plot of Monsters University unfolds, Mike demonstrates the importance of emotional connection and support between friends. He is talented and fully aware of his physical limitations as a capable scarer. At the same time, Sulley has the natural talent and appearance of a terrifying monster but struggles academically. These two monsters join forces to complete their university education.

Mike makes the most significant contribution to their friendship by teaching Sulley many of the tricks of studying. Together, they acquire the skills necessary to achieve their goals. The key message of emotional support lies in the power of partnership. Thanks to Mike’s initiative, these two monsters become friends and sources of inspiration for each other. They act as selfless sources of strength, fueling one another with motivation, even when visible reasons for it seem scarce.

Forgiveness and Rebuilding Bonds

This aspect once again highlights Mike as a great friend. During the Scare Games, he discovers that Sulley tampered with the machine’s algorithms so their team could win. This revelation shakes the little monster to his core, deepening his self-doubt. Ordinary friends might have cut ties after such a situation. However, with these two monsters, things take a different turn.

Mike realizes that Sulley didn’t intend to betray him or emphasize his inability to scare anyone. Instead, Sulley genuinely tried to help his friend by any means available. As a result, Mike forgives him, understanding that holding a grudge would be a destructive emotion fueled by ego. This case also demonstrates that conflicts are inevitable but don’t necessarily have to escalate into dramatic breakups or lifelong animosity between friends.

Humor and Positivity

These two qualities show how strong Mike is as a person and a friend. He is witty, turns his flaws into humorous situations, and always helps lift the spirits of those around him, making any challenge seem less daunting. This is why his positive vibes resonate with everyone, helping them get through tough times. That’s exactly what a friend should be! A friend always strives to make life easier for the people they care about.

Conclusion

If you look closely at both animated films in the franchise, you’ll understand why Mike is such a strong character. His friendship is characterized by sincerity, honesty, mutual support, and a willingness to compromise. He knows how to contribute to a friendship and never asks for anything in return. That’s why his character can serve as a role model for anyone.

Mike shows that friendship is a gift and a valuable one. It shouldn’t be dismissed, underestimated, or cast aside as unnecessary. Considering this character’s selfless actions, Mike serves as a prototype for studying how healthy friendships should develop.