Lennie Quotes in Of Mice and Men: Detailed Analysis and Page Numbers

English Literature

10/11

Revision note

Lennie Small is a central character in John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men". He is portrayed as a large, physically strong man with a childlike mentality and a deep reliance on his friend George. Lennie's character embodies themes of innocence, strength, and the challenges faced by those with mental disabilities in 1930s America.

Key aspects of Lennie's character:

Physically strong but mentally challenged
Childlike innocence and vulnerability
Obsession with soft things, especially rabbits
Unaware of his own strength
Deeply dependent on George for guidance
Represents the impossibility of the American Dream

1/9/2023

2285

Lennie's Physical Description and Behavior

Lennie Small, a key character in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men", is described with vivid physical attributes that contrast with his childlike mentality. The author paints a picture of Lennie as a large man with "wide slopping shoulders" and "large pale eyes", emphasizing his imposing physical presence.

Quote: "Large, pale eyes.... wide slopping shoulders"

This description immediately sets Lennie apart, highlighting the dichotomy between his powerful physique and his innocent nature. The way he moves is compared to an animal, further emphasizing his primal, instinctive behavior.

Quote: "like how a bear drags his paws"

This simile not only describes Lennie's movement but also foreshadows his unintentional destructive potential due to his immense strength.

Lennie's behavior is characterized by his childlike dependence on George, his traveling companion and protector. This is evident in how he constantly seeks guidance and approval from George.

Quote: "Looking helplessly at George for instructions"

This quote underscores Lennie's vulnerability and his inability to navigate social situations or make decisions independently. It's a crucial aspect of understanding Lennie's character through quotes from Of Mice and Men, showing how he relates to others, particularly George.

Lennie's fascination with soft things, especially animals, is a recurring theme that plays a significant role in the plot.

Quote: "Lennie watched her, fascinated"

This quote, referring to Lennie's interaction with Curley's wife, foreshadows the tragic events to come. It demonstrates Lennie's innocent yet potentially dangerous obsessions.

Highlight: Lennie's character can be summarized as childlike, simple-minded, and animalistic, with a strength he cannot control.

Understanding these aspects of Lennie's character is crucial for a detailed analysis of Lennie quotes in Of Mice and Men. His physical description, behavior, and relationships with other characters provide insight into the themes of innocence, strength, and the challenges faced by those with mental disabilities in 1930s America.

"Large, pale eyes.... wide slopping
shoulders"
"like how a bear drags his paws"
Hes a child trapped in a man's body
Adjective "large pale ey

Sign up to get unlimited access to thousands of study materials. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Lennie's Relationships and Dreams

Lennie's relationship with George is central to his character and the novel's plot. Their friendship is unique in a world where migrant workers often lead solitary lives.

Quote: "I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you..."

This quote reveals Lennie's perception of their relationship as mutually beneficial, though readers understand that George bears most of the responsibility. This friendship is crucial for both characters, protecting them from the loneliness that plagues other ranch workers.

Lennie's dream of tending rabbits on their own farm is a recurring motif that represents his innocence and desire for a better life.

Quote: "I get to tend the rabbits"

This simple dream is Lennie's driving force, symbolizing the larger American Dream that many pursued during the Great Depression. It's a key element in understanding Lennie's character through quotes from Of Mice and Men, showing what's most important to him.

Lennie's interactions with other characters often reveal his childlike nature and lack of social awareness. For instance, his encounter with Crooks, the African American stable hand, shows his inability to understand social boundaries and racial prejudices of the time.

Highlight: Lennie's innocence and lack of prejudice are evident in his interactions with marginalized characters like Crooks.

Lennie's strength, while often a source of trouble, is also valued on the ranch:

Quote: "He's so God dam strong"

This quote illustrates how Lennie's physical abilities are recognized and utilized, despite his mental limitations. It's an important aspect of his character, showing how he fits into the ranch's social structure.

Lennie's awareness of his own actions and their consequences is limited, as seen in his reaction after accidentally killing small animals:

Quote: "I didn't bounce you hard"

This quote demonstrates Lennie's lack of understanding about his own strength and the finality of death, further emphasizing his childlike mentality.

Understanding these aspects of Lennie's character is essential for a detailed analysis of Lennie quotes in Of Mice and Men essay. His relationships, dreams, and interactions with others provide a comprehensive view of his complex character within the novel's context.