Theme Of Innocence In Of Mice And Men

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The story “of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck, depicts Lennie, a very innocent child-like character, who is never held accountable for his actions because of his mental state which ultimately leads to his own demise. “Of Mice and Men,” takes place in the 1930’s an revolves around two main characters, Lennie and George. Since Lennie is incapable of taking care of himself, George has taken him under his wing and saved him from many situations where Lennie was unable to manage on his own. By the end of the story Lennie’s blind loyalty and innocent mindset are unable to save Lennie from his reoccurring mistakes. Steinbeck provides a textbook example of how innocence will not always save people from their actions and how there are always consequences. …show more content…
Lennie is first presented in a childlike manner; blindly loyal to George, continually makes the same omissions, has a deep-rooted sense of innocence, and is incapable of remembering his poor actions. Lennie’s forgetfulness also sheltered him from his substandard past, specifically the memory of a adolescent girl once claimed Lennie had raped her when he refused to remove his grip from her alluring, ruby dress. The most oblivious example of Lennie not having the capability to recall why George and he had left Weed, a few neighboring city’s from Solidad, is he would not be able to commentate all the hassle and turmoil he had caused when the young lassie claimed he had raped her. Conversely, Lennie’s memory loss often irritates George and many times George will lash out at Lennie almost as a mother does when her child doesn’t listen, but George always comes to the realization that Lennie had not chosen to be inadequate. Lennie’s innocence may have driven George maniacal, but it also protected Lennie from seeing evil intentions that have deceased the world, remembering past misfortunes, and served as a blessing through the first …show more content…
As the book reaches its final chapters George departs from the barn without beginning accompanied by Lennie often and Curley’s wife becomes more aggressive for praise. Curley’s wife chooses to confide in Lennie spins stories of her old life when she was to ,allegedly travel to Hollywood and bath in all of her glory, but instead she was married off to Curley, which later leads to further problems by talking to Curley’s Wife. Later in the story Curley’s wife, sensing a connection between her and Lennie, offers her hair for Lennie to touch. (Quote) Lennie being unaware of his own strength ends up accidentally killing Curley’s wife after she starts to scream because Lennie refused to let go of her silky hair. Lennie was consumed by fear and tried to hide the body, but the workers found her body hidden underneath a pile of hay. The last example of Lennie’s innocence destroying him is at the very clamatic events of the book when Lennie has been waiting for George to find him in their cryptic hiding spot. Lennie believed that George would forgive him and they would go on to buy their own farm. Consequently, George had grown cold to the parts of his heart that enjoyed spending time with Lennie, especially since he was able to create his own life once they arrived at the farm and experience the peace in freedom. Due to Lennie’s pure mindset an

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