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Dec 28, 2025
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Lennie and George's Friendship & Discrimination in Of Mice and Men - Quotes & Analysis
Zuzanna <3
@zuzanna_018
Lennie's Impact on Societal Themes
Steinbeck continues to use Lennie's character to explore deeper societal issues and themes prevalent in 1930s America.
Dreams and Hope
Lennie's simple dream of tending rabbits contrasts with the more complex shared dream with George. This difference highlights varying levels of aspiration and responsibility among individuals.
Highlight: Lennie's dream symbolizes a desire for responsibility over something that can't be taken away from him.
The eventual death of their shared dream with Lennie's passing reflects the harsh realities faced by workers during this period, suggesting that some dreams may be too perfect to achieve.
Violence and Society
Lennie's character, despite his innocence, demonstrates the pervasive nature of violence in 1930s American society.
Quote: "ill break their God damn necks"
This threat, even from a character as gentle as Lennie, illustrates how deeply ingrained violence was in society and how cruelty was often a learned behavior.
Conclusion
Steinbeck uses Lennie's character to highlight key aspects of 1930s America, including:
- Discrimination against those with disabilities
- The importance of friendship and companionship
- The role of dreams in providing hope
- The pervasive nature of violence in society
Through Lennie, Steinbeck reflects on the harsh realities faced by workers and marginalized individuals during the Great Depression, while also exploring themes of hope, friendship, and the human condition.
Lennie as a Lens for 1930s American Society
Steinbeck uses Lennie's character to illuminate various aspects of 1930s American society, particularly focusing on discrimination, friendship, and the power dynamics of the era.
Highlight: Lennie faces discrimination due to his mental disability, reflecting societal attitudes of the time.
Discrimination Against Mental Disabilities
Lennie's mental disability makes him a target for discrimination, mirroring the prejudices prevalent in 1930s America. Society viewed people with disabilities as inferior and vulnerable, often treating them unsympathetically.
Quote: "i aint gonna say nothing George"
This quote illustrates how George tries to protect Lennie from societal judgments by instructing him to remain silent during job interviews. Instead, George emphasizes Lennie's physical strength, describing him as "strong as a bull", to showcase his worth through work ethic rather than mental ability.
The Importance of Friendship
Steinbeck explores the theme of friendship through Lennie and George's unique bond, which defies social norms of the time.
Quote: "but not us! Because I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you"
This statement from Lennie highlights the mutual dependency and companionship between the two protagonists, contrasting with the forced solidarity experienced by other ranch hands.
Power and Its Consequences
Lennie's character demonstrates the dangers of physical power without mental maturity. Despite his childlike perception of the world, Lennie possesses immense strength, which leads to unintended harm.
Highlight: Lennie's accidental violence progresses from small animals to Curley's wife, culminating in his own death.
This progression illustrates the potential consequences of misused power and reflects the inherent violence in 1930s American society.
The Role of Dreams
Through Lennie, Steinbeck emphasizes the importance of dreams during the Great Depression. The shared dream of owning land represents hope for a better life, mirroring the aspirations of many working-class Americans.
Quote: "off the fatta the lan'"
This phrase encapsulates Lennie and George's dream, symbolizing the broader concept of the American Dream during challenging times.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Lennie and George's Friendship & Discrimination in Of Mice and Men - Quotes & Analysis
Zuzanna <3
@zuzanna_018
Of Mice and Men explores societal issues in 1930s America through the character of Lennie Small. The novella highlights:
- Discrimination against mental disabilities
- The danger of physical power without mental maturity
- Importance of friendship in a harsh society
- The role... Show more
Lennie's Impact on Societal Themes
Steinbeck continues to use Lennie's character to explore deeper societal issues and themes prevalent in 1930s America.
Dreams and Hope
Lennie's simple dream of tending rabbits contrasts with the more complex shared dream with George. This difference highlights varying levels of aspiration and responsibility among individuals.
Highlight: Lennie's dream symbolizes a desire for responsibility over something that can't be taken away from him.
The eventual death of their shared dream with Lennie's passing reflects the harsh realities faced by workers during this period, suggesting that some dreams may be too perfect to achieve.
Violence and Society
Lennie's character, despite his innocence, demonstrates the pervasive nature of violence in 1930s American society.
Quote: "ill break their God damn necks"
This threat, even from a character as gentle as Lennie, illustrates how deeply ingrained violence was in society and how cruelty was often a learned behavior.
Conclusion
Steinbeck uses Lennie's character to highlight key aspects of 1930s America, including:
- Discrimination against those with disabilities
- The importance of friendship and companionship
- The role of dreams in providing hope
- The pervasive nature of violence in society
Through Lennie, Steinbeck reflects on the harsh realities faced by workers and marginalized individuals during the Great Depression, while also exploring themes of hope, friendship, and the human condition.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lennie as a Lens for 1930s American Society
Steinbeck uses Lennie's character to illuminate various aspects of 1930s American society, particularly focusing on discrimination, friendship, and the power dynamics of the era.
Highlight: Lennie faces discrimination due to his mental disability, reflecting societal attitudes of the time.
Discrimination Against Mental Disabilities
Lennie's mental disability makes him a target for discrimination, mirroring the prejudices prevalent in 1930s America. Society viewed people with disabilities as inferior and vulnerable, often treating them unsympathetically.
Quote: "i aint gonna say nothing George"
This quote illustrates how George tries to protect Lennie from societal judgments by instructing him to remain silent during job interviews. Instead, George emphasizes Lennie's physical strength, describing him as "strong as a bull", to showcase his worth through work ethic rather than mental ability.
The Importance of Friendship
Steinbeck explores the theme of friendship through Lennie and George's unique bond, which defies social norms of the time.
Quote: "but not us! Because I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you"
This statement from Lennie highlights the mutual dependency and companionship between the two protagonists, contrasting with the forced solidarity experienced by other ranch hands.
Power and Its Consequences
Lennie's character demonstrates the dangers of physical power without mental maturity. Despite his childlike perception of the world, Lennie possesses immense strength, which leads to unintended harm.
Highlight: Lennie's accidental violence progresses from small animals to Curley's wife, culminating in his own death.
This progression illustrates the potential consequences of misused power and reflects the inherent violence in 1930s American society.
The Role of Dreams
Through Lennie, Steinbeck emphasizes the importance of dreams during the Great Depression. The shared dream of owning land represents hope for a better life, mirroring the aspirations of many working-class Americans.
Quote: "off the fatta the lan'"
This phrase encapsulates Lennie and George's dream, symbolizing the broader concept of the American Dream during challenging times.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Of Mice and Men
Most popular content in English Literature
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user