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About this sample
About this sample
Words: 621 |
Page: 1|
4 min read
Published: Jun 13, 2024
Words: 621|Page: 1|4 min read
Published: Jun 13, 2024
From the first pages of John Steinbeck's classic book, "Of Mice and Men," it's pretty clear that Lennie Small, one of the main characters, isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. His limited smarts show up in how he talks and what he does, often leading to big problems. In this essay, I'll look at some of Lennie's not-so-smart quotes and what they mean, shedding light on his mental limitations. By digging into these quotes, I'll argue that Lennie's lack of intelligence sets off a chain of tragic events in the story. It really shows us the tough realities faced by folks with cognitive disabilities.
One big sign of Lennie's not-so-bright side is how he talks like a kid. All through the novel, he's shown as someone who has trouble making sense when he speaks. For example, when George warns him about drinking water from a pool that might be bad, Lennie says, "I ain't gonna drink no bad water. I'm gonna get a drink" (Steinbeck, 7). Here, Lennie's double negative and messed-up grammar show off his limited language skills. This childlike way of talking not only makes Lennie seem less intelligent but also makes readers feel sorry for him. It highlights how vulnerable people with cognitive disabilities can be.
Lennie's lack of smarts becomes even clearer through his many misunderstandings in the story. He just can't wrap his head around complex stuff, which often leads to disasters. For instance, when George talks about their dream of owning land, Lennie says he wants to tend rabbits: "I could pet 'em, and they wouldn't bite me" (Steinbeck, 14). This shows how he doesn't get the harsh realities of life. While his innocent dreams are sweet, they also point out his limited understanding and inability to see the results of what he does.
Another thing about Lennie's not-so-smart talk is how he repeats himself. He leans on familiar phrases a lot to express himself, showing off his small vocabulary and brainpower. Like when George scolds him for something he did wrong; Lennie always says, "I forgot" (Steinbeck, 9). This constant use of "I forgot" underscores his struggle to remember things and shows how much he depends on George for direction. It's a reminder of the challenges people with cognitive disabilities face every day.
But it's not just his words—Lennie's actions also scream lack of intelligence. His curious nature and failure to grasp consequences usually end in tragedy. One heartbreaking moment is when Lennie accidentally kills a puppy by petting it too hard. Upset, Lennie says, "Why do you got to get killed? You ain't so little as mice. I didn't bounce you hard" (Steinbeck, 85). This shows Lennie can't understand his own strength or how fragile living things are. His actions—driven by limited thinking—lead to unintended harm and set up the devastating ending.
To sum up, Lennie's not-so-smart quotes in "Of Mice and Men" shine a light on his mental limits and kick off the tragic events in the book. Through his childlike speech, misunderstandings, repeated phrases, and misguided actions, we clearly see his lack of intelligence. But it's important to view Lennie's character with empathy because it reminds us of the struggles faced by people with cognitive disabilities every day. Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of societal prejudices against those with intellectual limitations through Lennie's story. By exploring these quotes from Lennie, we gain insight into the complexities around cognitive disabilities and why compassion matters for individuals like him.
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