Steinbeck's characterization of Lennie in Of
Mice and Men can be listed in several
stages.
- In chapter one, Lennie is revealed to
be like a little kid. He is simple minded and cannot think for himself. He also likes
to pet things, even gross things like dead mice. He will get away with whatever he can
when he thinks he can, again like a child. He doesn't mean to hurt anyone or anything,
like the mouse, but he can't help himself. - In the
clubhouse, his dependence on George is further revealed. He is not allowed to speak
because as soon as he opens his mouth he reveals his mental condition. But he is a
great worker. - His strength is confirmed by someone other
than George. He is, indeed, a great worker, as witnessed by others on the
ranch. - His lack of intelligence and his strength come
together and are highlighted by the fight with Curley. Unskilled as a fighter, he
merely wins the fight by catching Curley's fist in his hand and crushing it. He first
takes a nasty beating, however, because he will not fight back without permission from
George. Though Lennie gives Curley what he deserves, the kind of strength Lennie
possesses paired with the mind of a child is foreshadowed as extremely
dangerous. - Lennie identifies with Crooks as a fellow
outsider, and he is a gentle and friendly man. But he is also extremely innocent and
naive. - Lennie is manipulated by Curley's wife into
talking to her, which he tries to avoid because George has ordered him to. Curley's
wife, too, though, is starved for attention and manipulates Lennie into talking with
her. Lennie's lack of mental ability and great strength lead to his killing Curley's
wife the same as he had killed the mouse. There's no place for someone like Lennie in
the novel's society, and Lennie is doomed.
Steinbeck uses dialogue and character actions
to reveal Lennie, one of the central characters in the novel.
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