Explore the implications of 'homelessness' with regards to Lennie.

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        Question: Explore the implications of ‘homelessness’ with regards to Lennie.

        ‘Home’ in Of Mice and Men represents an ideal, one that all characters in this novella, including Lennie, appear to lack.  Thus they are all ‘homeless’ in one sense or another.  The subject of home and homelessness is one that is closely related to all the major themes of Of Mice and Men.  Steinbeck effectively portrays his characters by their different aspirations towards ‘home’.  In doing so he creates a hierarchy of this ideal.  Thus the most humble and submissive dream of home pursued by Lennie and his companion George is shown to be the most compelling and greatest of all.  Yet, will Lennie grasp the light flaming on the top of the Gabilan mountains-the light of heaven?  Or are the providential forces of fate and destiny to render ‘Paradise Lost’ ?

        Of Mice and Men is about the plight of two American labourers, George and Lennie.  George is a ‘smart little guy’ whereas Lennie is the exact opposite.  The plot and structure of the story is very economical and the language used is in no way elaborate.  Assisted by the simple time frame we are given the impression that the story is an uncomplicated one.

        Yet, within this seemingly unembellished novel are to be found a variety of themes, skilfully brought to light by the way in which the author handles his subject; George and Lennie.  The two main themes of Of Mice and Men are that of dreams- the aspiration towards an ideal home, and that of loneliness.

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        Lennie is a man of immense strength and size.  However, in effect his mind is like that of a child’s.  His home is neither with nature nor with man.  Throughout the story, Steinbeck is constantly describing Lennie in animal terms.  He says, regarding Lennie, “(h)e walked, heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws.”  In many cases Lennie is likened to a dog.  This image is furthered by Candy’s dog who plays a choral role as Lennie’s double.  The description of Lennie as the ‘poor bastard’ also suggests that Lennie is not of the family ...

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