Lennie: Innocent to Accidental Killer Of Mice and Men is a novella telling the story of Lennie and how his character is altered over the course of the novella. He is a compassionate character who enjoys animals, as well as “nice” people. Although, his trade can be difficult for Lennie since he prefers to be around people. “ ‘Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no fambly. They don’t belong no place…’ (Steinbeck Page 7)” based on what George says in the previous quote, there is a great deal of loneliness coming along with Lennie’s trade. Being a kind and compassionate person, he enjoys people and their company, but Lennie’s co-workers fend for themselves and can get nasty. Facing loneliness from
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Although not the brightest, he is only curious and never has the intent of harming a person. Unfortunately, aggression from fellow ranch-hands, specifically Curly, along with loneliness from his trade takes a toll on Lennie. “ He [Lennie] said patiently, ‘I like 'em with ketchup.’… George exploded… God a'mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an' work, an' no trouble. (Page 6)” from early on, it is made clear that, although he “takes care of” Lennie, George is short and nasty with Lennie. If George reacts this way when Lennie asks for ketchup, he will have a larger reaction when Lennie gets into serious trouble. From George’s shortness towards Lennie, it can be inferred that he is mistreated by George, causing Lennie to shy away from George, especially during times he is “misbehaving”. Aggression from George begins his descent into social isolation. Lennie is also exposed to hostility from Curly. “…balanced and poised… [Curly] slashed at Lennie… smashed down his nose… Blood welled from his nose. (Page 30)” this is one example of violence Lennie is exposed to while working at the ranch. In this example, Curly is attacking Lennie just to get out his anger and frustration. Senseless aggression towards him scares him and makes Lennie pulls away and keeps to himself. Scared of being hurt again, Lennie’s fight or flight kicks in, causing him to keep to himself, trying to stay out of
Although not the brightest, he is only curious and never has the intent of harming a person. Unfortunately, aggression from fellow ranch-hands, specifically Curly, along with loneliness from his trade takes a toll on Lennie. “ He [Lennie] said patiently, ‘I like 'em with ketchup.’… George exploded… God a'mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an' work, an' no trouble. (Page 6)” from early on, it is made clear that, although he “takes care of” Lennie, George is short and nasty with Lennie. If George reacts this way when Lennie asks for ketchup, he will have a larger reaction when Lennie gets into serious trouble. From George’s shortness towards Lennie, it can be inferred that he is mistreated by George, causing Lennie to shy away from George, especially during times he is “misbehaving”. Aggression from George begins his descent into social isolation. Lennie is also exposed to hostility from Curly. “…balanced and poised… [Curly] slashed at Lennie… smashed down his nose… Blood welled from his nose. (Page 30)” this is one example of violence Lennie is exposed to while working at the ranch. In this example, Curly is attacking Lennie just to get out his anger and frustration. Senseless aggression towards him scares him and makes Lennie pulls away and keeps to himself. Scared of being hurt again, Lennie’s fight or flight kicks in, causing him to keep to himself, trying to stay out of