Lennie quotes Flashcards
(13 cards)
“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you.”
Shows Lennie’s simple understanding of their relationship. Mutual support systems became crucial survival mechanisms during economic crisis.
“…live off the fatta the lan’.”
Lennie’s childlike enthusiasm for their dream. The phrase gains irony during Dust Bowl era when land was failing to produce.
“But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it all for you.”
Shows Lennie’s devotion to George. Food sharing was significant during widespread hunger of the Depression.
“I don’t want no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat no ketchup if it was right here beside me.”
Shows Lennie’s desire to please George even through self-denial. Small sacrifices took on outsized importance during times of scarcity.
“I don’t like this place, George. This ain’t no good place.”
Shows Lennie’s intuitive sense of impending tragedy. Foreshadowing device that also suggests Lennie’s animal-like instincts.
“We gonna have a little place,” Lennie explained patiently. “We
gonna have a house an’ a garden and a place for alfalfa, an’ that
alfalfa is for the rabbits, an’ I take a sack and get it all fulla alfalfa
and then I take it to the rabbits.”
Shows how Lennie’s dream centers on caring for soft creatures. Having a specific role in their dream gives Lennie purpose and identity.
“I didn’t mean no harm, George.”
Lennie’s typical response to accidents caused by his strength. Highlights the difference between intent and impact, especially relevant to disabilities.
“Hide in the brush till I come for you.”
Shows that Lennie can remember instructions when they’re repeatedly emphasized. Memory techniques for cognitive disabilities weren’t formally understood but intuitively applied.
“If George don’t want me…I’ll go away. I’ll go right off in the hills an’ find a cave.”
Shows Lennie’s willingness to sacrifice himself for George. Shows depth of loyalty despite cognitive limitations.
“Ain’t nobody goin’ to talk no hurt to George.”
Shows Lennie’s protective instinct toward George. The relationship provides mutual protection in different ways.
“I done a bad thing. I done another bad thing.”
Shows Lennie’s moral awareness despite his limited understanding. Moral understanding could exist independently of cognitive function—an insight ahead of its time.
“They was so little… I’d pet ’em, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinched their heads a little and then they was dead.”
Reveals the pattern of accidental harm that will lead to tragedy. Without accommodation or protection, disabilities often led to tragic outcomes.
“George won’t go away and leave me. I know George wun’t do that.”
Shows Lennie’s complete trust in George. Trust was rare and precious during an era of extreme economic competition.
