How Steinbeck Portrays the character of Lennie & George in "Of Mice & Men"

In the story "Of Mice & Men", John Steinbeck creates a pair of low-class companionship as the story's main character. This pair of companionship, George and Lennie is very different from each other, nothing alike, no matter talking about their figures, personality, IQ, etc, except that they both carry the same American dream as they spend their hard days traveling together and working in the ranch.

Lennie is portrayed as being childlike. He looks up on George as a parental figure: "Lennie's lips quivered and tears started in his eyes." Lennie seek reassurance from George like a child does from their parents. He displays the excitement of a child: "Tell me about the rabbits, George. Tell me about the rabbits."

Steinbeck suggests that Lennie's dependent on George and that we all need companionship even if the relationship is unequal.

Not only is Lennie portrayed as being childlike, but also very forgetful: "I forgot, tried not to forget.

English: John Steinbeck

Lennie James

Lennie James

Honest to god I did George". Lennie always gets in trouble, and always needs George to help him out.: "Course you did. Well, look Lennie--- if you jus' happen to get in trouble like u always done before, I want you to come right here and hide in the bush". Not only does he make himself in trouble but also gives trouble to George: "An' whatta I got, I got you! You can't keep a job and you lose me ever' job I get.

Steinbeck wants to give the readers a hint or preparation that a serious event is going to occur with Lennie, he also wants to convey that although Lennie is big, it doesn't mean that he has a big brain nor can he be independent and look after himself.

Lennie is also being put in a character with characteristic's like...