Lennie Small Flashcards
Lennie Small meaning
Leonard of Old Gigh German origin, meaning “of lion’s strength”, but also “lion-hearted”; Small -ironic and also apt description of his intellect
Outward appearance suggests Lennie’s size and strength, but also that he is simple and animal-like (potentially very dangerous).
George’s “opposite” : “a huge man, shapeless of face .. and he walked … the way a bear drags his paws. His arms …hung loosely.
Knows how to make George feel guilty, despite being childlike and innocent
“An’ I won’t get no mice stole from me.”
Delights in his and George’s dream of a small farm, like a child with a favourite, familiar story - keeps the dream alive
“Come on Gerorge. Tell me. Please, George. Like you done before.”
Lennie hangs on and uses his strength when he’s scared -foreshadows the events to come
“He was so scairt he couldn’t let go of that dress. And he’s so damn strong, you know.”
Emphasises his childlike simplicity and his strength
“Sure he’s jes’ like a kid. There ain’t no more harm in him than a kid neith, except he’s so strong.”
Blames the animals he kills for their own death
“Why do you got to get killed? You ain’t so little. I didn’t bounce you hard.”
No moral judgement - things are “good” or “bad” depending on what George will think of them
“I done a real bad thing … I shouldn’t have did that. George’ll be mad.”
After failing to remember where they are headed in Chapter One
“I remember about the rabbits, George.”
Shortly before his death as George tells him he will be allowed to tend to the rabbits
Lennie “giggled with happiness”
