Character Traits of Lennie in of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, is a classic American novel that explores the lives of migrant workers during the Great Depression. One of the central characters in the story is Lennie Small, a mentally disabled man with incredible physical strength. Lennie's character traits play a significant role in shaping the narrative and exploring themes of loneliness, dreams, and the human condition. Through his innocence, loyalty, and impulsivity, Lennie embodies the complexities of human nature and invites readers to reflect on their own character traits and the impact they have on their lives.

Lennie's Innocence

One of Lennie's defining character traits is his innocence. Despite his physical strength, Lennie possesses a childlike naivety that shapes his interactions with others. From the beginning of the novel, it is evident that Lennie does not fully comprehend the consequences of his actions. For instance, when he pets a puppy too forcefully and accidentally kills it, he is genuinely perplexed by the puppy's lifeless body. This incident highlights Lennie's innocence and his inability to understand the fragility of life.

Moreover, Lennie's innocence is further emphasized through his love for soft and delicate things. He is fascinated by the texture of George's shirt and the feeling of petting a puppy. Lennie's desire to touch and feel these objects stems from his innocent curiosity, mirroring the innocence of a young child exploring the world around them. However, Lennie's innocence becomes tragic as his inability to control his strength leads to the unintentional harm of those around him, ultimately contributing to the devastating climax of the novel.

Lennie's Loyalty

Another key character trait of Lennie is his unwavering loyalty towards his friend and caretaker, George. Lennie's loyalty is evident from the very beginning of the novel, as he follows George's every instruction without question. Despite George's occasional frustrations with Lennie, he recognizes and appreciates Lennie's unwavering loyalty. This loyalty forms the foundation of their unique friendship and serves as a source of comfort and stability for both characters.

Lennie's loyalty extends beyond his relationship with George. He is also fiercely loyal to his dream of owning a piece of land and living off the fat of the land. This dream becomes a beacon of hope for Lennie, providing him with a sense of purpose and motivation. Lennie's loyalty to this dream is so strong that it becomes a driving force in his actions, propelling him forward despite the numerous obstacles and setbacks he encounters.

Lennie's Impulsivity

While Lennie's innocence and loyalty are endearing traits, his impulsivity is a double-edged sword that often leads to disastrous consequences. Lennie's inability to control his impulses is a recurring theme throughout the novel. For example, when he accidentally kills Curley's wife, his immediate response is to cover up his actions out of fear and panic. This impulsive decision ultimately seals his fate and leads to his tragic demise.

Additionally, Lennie's impulsivity is evident in his interactions with others. He often acts on his desires without considering the potential consequences. This impulsivity is particularly evident in his interactions with Curley, the boss's son, whom Lennie inadvertently provokes through his innocent actions. Lennie's impulsivity not only puts himself in danger but also endangers those around him, highlighting the complexity of his character and the challenges he faces due to his disability.

Conclusion

Lennie Small's character traits of innocence, loyalty, and impulsivity shape the narrative of Of Mice and Men and contribute to the exploration of themes such as loneliness, dreams, and the human condition. Through Lennie's journey, readers are prompted to reflect on their own character traits and the impact they have on their lives and relationships. Lennie's innocence serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, while his loyalty highlights the power of unwavering support and friendship. However, Lennie's impulsivity serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the importance of thoughtful decision-making. By examining Lennie's character traits, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience, encouraging us to reflect on our own actions and choices.

Bibliography

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Books, 1993.