Lennie Small In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

In the novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the word help is used to develop the complex personality of Lennie Small. The story is centered around two migrant farmers; Lennie, who has a mental disability, and George who watches over and protects Lennie from getting into any trouble. When the men arrive late to the ranch, at which they wish to work, they are thoroughly questioned by the boss about their past. George suspiciously does all of the talking, to prevent Lennie from saying anything that would loose them the job, thus bemusing the boss. After the boss asks Lennie of his values, “Lennie looked at George for help” (Steinbeck 22). This action performed by Lennie reveals his true helplessness and dependency on George. Lennie does …show more content…
The story is centered around two migrant farmers; Lennie, who has a mental disability, and George who watches over and protects Lennie from getting into any trouble. Lennie says “I forgot, George” after speaking, when he was instructed not to by George, to the Boss of the ranch, at which they wish to work (Steinbeck 23). As this is spoken, Lennie was described to have “stared hopelessly at his hands”(Steinbeck 23). The leading cause for Lennie’s crestfallen feelings is his desire to prevent George from any disappointment. This is because one of his many dreams for the future is to tend to millions of multi-chromatic rabbits. And although this may be an impossibility, Lennie is a dreamer and will work hard as he possibly can to achieve his goals, no matter how absurd they may be. For Lennie to sorrowfully say “I forgot, George” unveils his shame and degradation. If Lennie continues to speak out of place, he could easily lead both George and himself into alot of trouble. This is why the phrase “I forgot, George” is the most noteworthy phrase in chapter two of the novella Of Mice and