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Who is Lennie in Of Mice and Men? If you have this question then you are not alone.
In a nutshell, Lennie Small is a character in John Steinbeck’s novel “Of Mice and Men” who is huge and lumbering, and often described in terms of animals. He is mentally handicapped and has the innocence and mentality of a child. He has a childlike wonder and is very loyal to George, his companion, but lacks an understanding of abstract concepts and consequences.
Lennie’s greatest feeling of security comes from petting soft things, which helps him feel safe when the world gets complicated and scary. He is dangerous due to his prodigious strength and lack of intelligence and conscience and he needs George to keep him out of trouble. Lennie’s innocence and enthusiasm for the dream of owning a farm keep the dream alive, but his human imperfections make it impossible to realize.
Overall, Small is a central character in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. He is a large and physically strong man, but he is also mentally disabled. Lennie travels with and is taken care of by his companion George Milton. Together, they are itinerant farm workers in California during the Great Depression, searching for work and trying to achieve the American Dream of owning their own farm.
Lennie’s Characteristics in Of Mice and Men
Lennie is described as having the innocence and mentality of a child, with a childlike wonder and lack of understanding of the world around him.
He is often depicted as animal-like in his actions and behaviour, with his lumbering walk and his love for petting soft things.
Lennie’s mental disability limits his ability to understand abstract concepts and consequences, which often leads to him getting into trouble.
Despite his limitations, Lennie is very loyal to George and is eager to please him, often following his commands without fully understanding them.
Lennie’s prodigious strength makes him dangerous, and he needs George to keep him out of trouble and to make decisions for him.
Lennie’s role in the novel of Mice and Men
Lennie’s character serves as a commentary on the treatment of those with mental disabilities in the 1930s, and the characters’ struggle to achieve the American Dream.
Through Lennie’s interactions with the other characters, the novel explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for human connection.
The innocence and enthusiasm of Lennie for the dream of owning a farm keeps the dream alive for George and the other characters, but his human imperfections make it impossible to realize.
His tragic fate at the end of the novel serves as a powerful reminder of the harsh realities of life for those who are different or marginalized in society.
Lennie’s Relationship with George
Lennie and George have a close and unique relationship. George is Lennie’s companion and caretaker, and Lennie is deeply loyal to George.
George is often frustrated with Lennie’s limitations and his tendency to get into trouble, but he also has a deep sense of responsibility towards
His childlike innocence and enthusiasm for the dream of owning a farm help to keep George motivated and hopeful, despite the harsh realities of their lives. And his tragic fate at the end of the novel deeply affects George, highlighting the depth of their bond and the sacrifices George has made for Lennie.
How does Lennie’s Role Impact the other Characters?
Lennie’s interactions with the other characters in the novel reveal their own hopes, fears, and limitations. His childlike innocence and lack of understanding of social norms often lead to conflicts and misunderstandings with other characters. His presence and actions also serve to reveal the prejudices and discrimination that those with mental disabilities face in society. Lennie’s death at the end of the novel profoundly impacts the other characters, highlighting the loneliness and isolation they all feel in their lives
