Character Analysis Of Lennie Small

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The Not So Small Character of Lennie Small “Trouble with mice is you always kill 'em. ” This quote was taken from the famous story, Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck. It is directed to one of the main characters, Lennie Small, and although seemingly inconsequential can describe him and his actions almost perfectly. Through this quote, the author expresses Lennie's inability to know his own strength, the reason he accidentally kills the mice. He consistently makes mistakes like these throughout the story. Mistakes that have consequences, and help to express important ideas to readers. Lennie Small is a static character with the mind of a child, used as an effective tool by the John Steinbeck to send messages to people all around the world. Lennie Small is a character readers are drawn to right from the beginning of the …show more content…

His innocence stands out from the grimy coverings of loneliness and hopelessness the other characters wear. The reason Lennie is so innocent is that he has a mental handicap, one that prevents him from understanding complex human emotions such as guilt, or concepts such as death. In addition, Lennie has trouble remembering things, “" I tried and tried [to remember]...but it didn't do not good." Consequently, Lennie has trouble fitting in with society. Ultimately his mental disability is what leads to Lennie's demise at the end of the book. Another trait that is an essential part of Lennie's innocent character is his devotion to his closest friend George. In fact, the only times Lennie is shown to be angry is when George is insulted or threatened. When Crooks, the crippled, black, stable hand, implies bad things about George, this devotion is clearly shown. “Suddenly Lennie's eyes centered and grew quiet, and mad. He walked dangerously toward Crooks. 'Who hurt George?' he demanded"

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