Lennie (OMAM) Flashcards
What are some quotes about Lennie’s appearance?
“huge man”
“large, pale eyes”
What is the significance of the quotes about how Lennie looks?
“huge man” - imposing, physically strong, very prominent feature throughout the novel, his immense strength turns out to be his greatest weakness
“large, pale eyes” - suggests a childlike quality, innocence, Lennie is unaware of how his actions have consequences/ an impact on others - much like a child
What quotes suggest that Lennie follows George, rather than the other way around?
“the follower”
“stayed behind the other”
“imitated him exactly”
What is the significance of the quotes about how Lennie follows George’s lead?
“the follower”, “stayed behind the other”, “imitated him exactly” - Lennie does not lead for himself, he follows and relies on George as he does not have the capacity to think independently
How does Lennie carry himself?
“dragging his feet”, “arms hung loosely”
How does the way in which Lennie carries himself give us an insight into his character?
“dragging his feet” - clumsy, large, animalistic
“arms hung loosely” - suggests a lack of direction or purpose
Which quotes use animal symbolism to describe Lennie?
“big paw”
“snorting…the water like a horse”
“like a terrier”
What is the significance of the simile about how Lennie drinks water?
“snorting…the water like a horse” - highlighting how Lennie is led by his instincts rather than than his thought - much like an animal, he is oblivious to whether the water is safe to drink or not, but feels thirsty so follows what his body is telling him to do, due to his learning disability
What is the significance of the simile about how Lennie is like George’s pet?
“like a terrier” - dogs are renowned for their loyalty, Lennie is loyal and obedient to George’s every command as that is all he knows, he does not have independents thought as his learning disability prevents his from doing so
What happens to the mouse Lennie had in the first chapter and why does he carry out the action he does?
When provoked by the mouse biting his finger, Lennie accidentally uses his immense strength and kills the mouse, showcasing further his animalistic instincts to fight back when attacked
What rhetorical question does Lennie ask the puppy he accidentally kills?
“why do you got to get killed?”
What does his rhetorical question to the puppy reveal about his character?
“why do you got to get killed?” - very childish and immature, a lack of accountability, shifting the blame is what children do, although it is seen as rhetorical Lennie probably asked it genuinely due to his learning disability
What does Lennie continually ask George to do?
“tell me about the rabbits”
Why does Lennie want to achieve the dream?
He desires the security and happiness that will come as a result of living a fraternal life with George, away from the danger and suffering that society surrounds them with
George and Lennie both have the same dream of an idyllic American future together, highlighting their friendship and immense loyalty to each other
Why does Steinbeck present Lennie as he does?
Lennie is presented as kind-hearted and compassionate despite his obvious flaws, challenging how people should treat and perceive those with learning difficulties.
