Character Traits of Lennie in of Mice and Men

"Of Mice and Men," written by John Steinbeck, is a classic American novel that looks into the lives of migrant workers during the Great Depression. One of the main characters is Lennie Small, a mentally disabled guy with amazing physical strength. Lennie's traits play a big role in shaping the story and exploring themes like loneliness, dreams, and the human condition. Through his innocence, loyalty, and impulsiveness, Lennie shows the complexities of human nature and makes readers think about their own traits and how they affect their lives.

Lennie's Innocence

One thing about Lennie is his innocence. Even though he's very strong, Lennie has a childlike naivety that affects how he deals with people. Right from the start, it's clear Lennie doesn't really get the consequences of what he does. Like when he pets a puppy too hard and accidentally kills it, he's honestly confused by the puppy's dead body. This shows Lennie's innocence and his lack of understanding about how fragile life can be.

Plus, Lennie's innocence is shown in his love for soft and delicate things. He's fascinated by the feel of George's shirt and enjoys petting a puppy. Lennie wants to touch and feel these things because he's curious, like a young kid exploring the world. But his innocence becomes sad because he can't control his strength, leading to accidental harm, which plays a big part in the tragic ending of the novel.

Lennie's Loyalty

Lennie's also super loyal to his friend and caretaker, George. You can see Lennie's loyalty from the very beginning, as he follows George's every instruction without question. Even though George sometimes gets frustrated with Lennie, he knows and values Lennie's loyalty. This loyalty is the base of their unique friendship and gives both of them comfort and stability.

Lennie's loyalty goes beyond his relationship with George. He's also really loyal to his dream of owning a piece of land and living off it. This dream gives Lennie hope and a sense of purpose. His loyalty to this dream is so strong that it drives his actions, pushing him forward despite all the challenges he faces.

Lennie's Impulsivity

While Lennie's innocence and loyalty are sweet, his impulsiveness often leads to trouble. Lennie can't control his impulses, which is a recurring theme in the story. For example, when he accidentally kills Curley's wife, he immediately tries to cover it up out of fear and panic. This impulsive reaction ends up sealing his fate and leads to his tragic end.

Also, Lennie's impulsiveness shows in how he interacts with others. He often acts on his desires without thinking about the consequences. This is clear in his interactions with Curley, the boss's son, whom Lennie accidentally provokes through his innocent actions. Lennie's impulsiveness not only puts himself at risk but also endangers those around him, showing the complexity of his character and the challenges he faces because of his disability.

Conclusion

Lennie Small's traits of innocence, loyalty, and impulsiveness shape the story of "Of Mice and Men" and help explore themes like loneliness, dreams, and the human condition. Through Lennie's journey, readers think about their own traits and how they affect their lives and relationships. Lennie's innocence reminds us how fragile life is, while his loyalty shows the power of unwavering support and friendship. But his impulsiveness serves as a warning about the importance of thinking things through. By looking at Lennie's traits, we get a deeper understanding of the complexities of human experience, encouraging us to reflect on our own actions and choices.