Of Mice and Men: Characterization of Lennie
Lennie Small is a main character in Richard Stein beck's Of Mice and Men." novel. Not many folks understand what kind of person Lennie is and what his thought processes are. Partially because he's so big, partially because of a limited mental capacity, Lennie probably gives off the impression of a very unstable person, mean and quick to anger. I too, have been stereotyped "mean" simply because I am so large and appear so intimidating. This is one of Lennie's problems, because he likes to do what he feels like doing but doesn't stop to consider the consequences of his actions. Lennie is misunderstood yet a very essential character in this book. Lennie Small is a very complex character, although he may not appear to be at first glance. One of Lennie's biggest concerns is for continued love (friendship) from George. He does not really have to worry about this though, for as George is so fond of saying, "...We have a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us... (at this point Lennie interrupts) Because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you." (Stein b
Lennie's role in a lot of the themes in this book is such that, if Lennie were removed, they wouldn't make any sense. Most notably is Lennie's contribution to the very foundation of the American Dream. He, despite being mentally handicapped, still believes in the old adage that in order to realize his dream of owning a farm with George all that is required is hard work. Crooks however, shows a more realistic point of view; " I seen hundreds of men come by the roads an' on the ranches.. Every damn one of 'em's got a little piece of land in his head. An' never a God damn one of 'em gets it." (Stein beck, 81) In addition, Lennie also has an important roll in addressing the theme of the strong killing off the weak. Lennie's fetish for petting soft things and then accidentally killing them proves this point; Lennie's strong hands are no match for the weak mouse. In the end, however, it is Lennie who becomes a weaker being, falling at the hand of the strong predators that hunt him. As far as themes go, Lennie is essential for most of their existence. eck, 45). Lennie isn't a loner, as so many
Some common words found in the essay are:
Lennie George's, Richard Stein, An' God, American Dream, Lennie Lennie, Albeit Lennie, Lennie George, , stein beck, told lennie, george told, book lennie, farm probably, dream owning,
Approximate Word count = 738
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
