In the novella Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck uses animal imagery to portray the death of Lennie. On page 99, Steinbeck writes: “... a water snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting its periscope head from side to side and it swam the length of the pool.” This takes place right before Lennie shows up to the spot where George told Lennie to hide if there was trouble. On page 100, the book continues, “... his head jerked up and he strained toward the sound with eyes and ears until he saw the bird, and then he dropped his head and drank again.” The snake symbolizes Lennie because the snake is “twisting his head” while Lennie, similarly, “strained toward the sound”. The word choice that Steinbeck uses suggests both the snake and Lennie are
