Lennie Small in Of Mice and Men

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, John Steinbeck's novella, Of Mice and Men, tells the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they strive to achieve their dreams of a better life. Lennie, a towering figure with incredible physical strength, is a complex character whose innocence and childlike naivety make him both fascinating and heartbreaking. Through Lennie's character, Steinbeck explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the American Dream, raising important questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of our actions.

The Characterization of Lennie Small

Lennie is often described as a giant of a man, with incredible physical strength that he is barely able to control. Despite his intimidating appearance, however, Lennie is a gentle soul, with a deep love for soft things, such as rabbits and silk. His obsession with these objects is not just a quirk, but a deep-seated desire for comfort and security, which he has been denied throughout his life. Lennie’s innocence and naivety make him vulnerable to the harsh realities of the world, and his inability to understand the consequences of his actions often leads to tragic outcomes.

Lennie’s Relationship with George

The relationship between Lennie and George is one of the most significant aspects of the novella. George, who is smaller and more intelligent than Lennie, has taken on a caretaker role, looking out for Lennie and protecting him from harm. Despite the fact that Lennie’s strength and innocence often put them in danger, George is deeply devoted to his friend, and the two share a dream of owning their own farm one day. This dream, which is the central theme of the novella, represents a desire for freedom, security, and a sense of belonging, which is something that both Lennie and George desperately crave.

The Tragic Consequences of Lennie’s Actions

Despite his good intentions, Lennie’s actions often have tragic consequences. His inability to control his strength, combined with his naivety and innocence, leads to a series of devastating events, including the death of Curley’s wife and the destruction of the dream that he and George share. The tragic ending of the novella is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of the world, and the ways in which our actions can have unintended consequences.

The Significance of Lennie’s Death

The death of Lennie at the hands of George is a poignant and powerful moment in the novella. It is a tragic outcome that is both devastating and inevitable, highlighting the cruel nature of the world and the impossibility of the dream that Lennie and George shared. The death of Lennie also serves as a commentary on the theme of loneliness, which is a pervasive force throughout the novella. Despite the fact that Lennie and George had each other, they were ultimately unable to escape the loneliness and isolation that defined their lives.

The characterization of Lennie Small is a testament to Steinbeck's skill as a writer, as it raises important questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of our actions. Through Lennie's character, Steinbeck highlights the tension between individual desire and societal expectations, and the tragic consequences that can result when these two forces come into conflict. The novella is a powerful commentary on the human condition, and the ways in which our actions can have unintended consequences.