Lennie

• Who is Lennie Small in "Of Mice and Men"?

  Lennie Small is one of the main characters in John Steinbeck's novella "Of Mice and Men."
• What is a key characteristic of Lennie's mental capacity?

  Lennie has the mind of a child, which affects his behavior and understanding of the world.
• How does Lennie's physical strength contrast with his mental capacity?

  Lennie is physically strong but mentally challenged, creating a stark contrast between his abilities.
• Who does Lennie rely on for guidance and support?

  Lennie relies heavily on his friend George for guidance and support.
• What often happens because Lennie doesn't understand the consequences of his actions?

  He often causes unintentional harm due to his lack of understanding.
• What is a key aspect of Lennie's physical appearance?

  Lennie is described as a huge man with large, strong hands.
• How does Lennie's mental disability affect his behavior?

  It causes him to struggle with memory, complex thoughts, and understanding social cues.
• What does Lennie's childlike behavior reveal about his character?

  It reflects his innocence and simple pleasures, contrasting with the harsh realities around him.
• How is Lennie described in chapter 1?

  a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws.
• • ’large pale eyes’
  • ‘slopping shoulders‘
  • ‘a bear drags his paws‘


  these tell the reader not only his appearance but also his character.

  juxtaposition of george.
• Provide quotes to show Lennies childish language and behaviour.

  • ‘you take a good big drink.’
  • ‘Lennie who had been watching, imitated George exactly.’
• Provide quotes to show steinbeck describing Lennie as An animal.

  • ‘the way a bear drags his paws.’
  • ‘Lennie contained to snort into the pool.’
  • ‘like a terrier who doesn’t want to Bring a ball back to his master.’
  • ‘Lennie avoided the bait.’
• ‘Lennie looked timidly over to him.’
• ‘I tried not to forget. Honest to god I did, george.’
• ‘i remember about the rabbits,’
• ‘Jus’ a dead mouse , george. I didn’t kill it, honest.’
• ‘I ain’t gonna say nothin’, I ain’t gonna say nothin’, I ain’t gonna say nothin’’
• ‘Lennie giggled happily’
• What mouse George? I ain’t got no mouse.’
• Provide quotes to show how Lennie mood can change very quickly.

  • ‘Lennie giggled happily’
  • ’Lennies lip quivered and tears started in his eyes,’
  • ’his voice broke a little.’
  • ‘Lennies face was drawn with terror.’
• We are introduced to pennies obsession with rabbits, why is lennie so obsessed?

  due to his mental stat, Lennie often finds himself in harsh conditions and/or very little comfort, as a result, Lennie finds comfort in the soft fur of the mice, finding comfort in the soft texture.
• What is the importance involving the rabbits?

  The consistent mention of the rabbits, symbolise the Americans dream, of freedom, however as you see throughout the novel, the rabbits, the dream, seems more and more out of reach for both George and Lennie. the rabbits are Lennies version of the dream as it is something he can mentally understand.
• ‘I was only foolin’ george. I don’t want no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat it if it was right in front me.’

  Lennie is trying to please George.

  demonstrates the child and parent relationship.

  this is also Lennie punishing himself to try to make george forgive himself.
• ‘I could go off in the hills there, someplace l’d find a cave.
• ‘i ain’t going to get in no trouble‘