Of Mice and Men - What do you find interesting about the presentation of George and Lennie in Part one?

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Of Mice and Men.

What do you find interesting about the presentation of George and Lennie in Part one?

Two men wandered up from the highway, their entrance disturbing the peace and harmony of the deep, green forest. They approached in single file, one behind the other.

Immediately it is obvious that George is the leader of the duo. Lennie follows George’s lead, “even in the open.”

They are dressed identically, both wearing “denim trousers and denim  coats with brass buttons.” From first impressions it seems that the two are remarkably alike until Steinbeck physically describes them. George is a small, defined man, “quick and dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Lennie on the other hand is his complete opposite. He is “a huge man, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes and wide, sloping shoulders. Even in their movements they are complete opposites. George is quick and compact, he moves with confidence and composure. Lennie tries to do likewise but ends up walking “heavily, dragging his feet a little.”

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In the opening dialogue, George is shouting at Lennie for drinking too much. George is looking out for Lennie, he is commanding and strict, but also caring. George has the qualities of a father towards Lennie but his immediate anger also hints at possible frustration and tension. Unlike his friend, Lennie is in a world of his own. He takes no notice of George’s warnings and continues to “dip his whole head, hat and all” under the water.

In part one we see many different sides to Lennies character, He is a huge man, gifted with incredible strength, but ...

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