Lennie: Of mice and men Flashcards
(13 cards)
Introduction
Lennie symbolises innocence and strength without control. His childlike mentality juxtaposes with his physical power creates the tension that drives much of the plot. His dependence on George reflects the theme of friendship and vulnerability.
Point 1:
Lennie’s strength is both his gift and his curse
Quotes that go with the first point
-‘I didn’t want no trouble… I didn’t want to hurt him’
-‘I didn’t mean no harm, George’
-‘Why do you go to get killed? You ain’t so little as mice’
context with the first point
-Lennie’s inability to control his strength reflects how society fails to protect its most vulnerable members.
-Lennie’s innocence and physical power create a tragic paradox. His childlike nature means he doesn’t realise his own strength.
-Society during the Great Depression had no place for those who didn’t fit in. Lennie’s fate highlights the cruelty of the world with no safety for the weak.
Point 2:
Lennie’s dream of tending rabbits symbolises his desire for stability and happiness
Quotes for the second point
-‘An’ live off the fatta the lan’’
-‘Tell me-like you done before’
-‘and i get to tend to the rabbits’
context with the second point
-this represents the simplicity of his desires in contrast to the harsh reality of life during this time.
-and how even the most simple characters can believe in the potential of inspiration it has
-Lennie’s simple dream contrasts with the harsh reality of life for itinerant workers.
-His obsession with rabbits highlights his need for comfort and security which is something he will never have.
Point 3:
Lennie depends on George for guidance and survival
Quotes with the third point
-‘I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you’
-‘i tried not to forget. Honest to God i did, George’
-‘even in the open one stayed behind the other’
Context with the third point
-this highlights the importance of companionship, especially in the era defined by isolation. And contrasts between Lennie and George, and the normal migrant worker who live in their own world.
-Lennie’s struggle to remember simple instructions emphasises his vulnerability. His mental challenges reflect how society during the 1930s showed little compassion for those with cognitive disabilities, leaving them isolated and misunderstood.
Point 4:
Lennie’s limited intelligence makes him dependent on George
Quotes with the forth point
-‘I tried not to forget. Honest to God i did, George’
Context with the forth point
-Lennie’s struggle to remember simple instructions emphasises his vulnerability. His mental challenges reflect how society showed little compassion for those with cognitive disabilities, leaving them isolated and misunderstood.
