mice and maan

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Steinbeck presents many of the characters in the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ in such a way that the reader feels sorry for them but not all deserve our sympathy. Each character portrays different roles; the parts they play and the situations they find themselves in, vary, as does the sympathy, or empathy we feel towards them.

        One of the main characters in the book was Lennie, a kind hearted simple man who struggles to control his own strength. Lennie lives life under the watchful surveillance of George. Not that Georges rules Lennie in a cruel way in fact quite the opposite however irritable George becomes he still wouldn’t turn his back on Lennie for the unbearable lonely shadow that would replace Lennie’s lovable traits.

 “If you don’ want me I can go off in the hills an’ finda cave. I can go away any time”. “No – Look! I was jus’ foolin”

George is described as "small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp strong features", which immediately draws contrast with Lennie, demonstrating that where Lennie is simple and slow, George is more mentally able and has a dominant position in their relationship.

Early on in the novel, the first chapter, Lennie is immediately portrayed with childlike behaviour, one illustration of this is when they are about to eat beans but Lennie wants some ketchup with them.

“George” very softly. No answer. “George!”

“Whatta you want?”

“I was only foolin” George. I don’t want no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat no ketchup if it was right here beside me… I’d leave it all for you.”

The first shows Lennie’s childish impatience first attempting the soft approach then immediately after being ignored he snaps impatiently at George like a toddler would to his mother. Then Lennie goes onto almost apologize and tries to comfort George. Further emphasising George’s dominant role in the relationship telling George how he wouldn’t do anything without his permission.

Besides his intelligence Lennie has another major flaw, his strength. Which in general is not a bad thing to be applied with, particularly in Lennie and George’s line of work however when Lennie’s strength and intelligence mix especially when he feels vulnerable or under attack. he has a deadly violent streak. It is Lennie’s lack of speed in terms of sense and understanding, which enables Curley to find an excuse to lash out. Lennie’s unable to breakout of the dream world that he cocoons himself in.

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‘Curley stepped over to Lennie. “What the hell you laughin’ at”

Lennie looked blankly back at him “Huh”

        Another major violent incident of Lennie’s involvement was murdering Curley’s wife which parallels to his brawl with Curley in the sense she attacks him because of his weakness not physically but because he will not know how to cope with it. Her flirtatious and provocative nature confuses Lennie and when she makes him stroke her hair he becomes excitable. She is then frightened leading to a panic on Lennie’s behalf and as with the fight with Curley he grips onto ...

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