Wednesday, October 31, 2012

In Of Mice and Men, how is the initial description of Lennie and George fitting when we find out more about each man?

The first bit of description we get is that George was the leader, even after they had left the narrow trail. This certainly captures an essential part of their relationship.


We also learn that they are dressed identically. Often in the story we are told that Lennie tried to do things exactly as George did them.


George is described as small, quick, sharp, well-defined. In contrast, Lennie is described as huge, shapeless, loose. George's eyes are restless, whereas Lennie's are large and pale. All these details suggest intelligence and personality in George, as opposed to a duller wit and malleable personality in Lennie.


Lastly, we learn that George stops and wipes the sweat from his brow, whereas Lennie throws himself headlong towards the water and drinks with abandon. In life, George is cautious and thoughtful; Lennie is controlled by his impulses.


By the way, I object to kevinli123's characterization of Lennie as a slob. He has low intelligence and carries himself heavily, but there is nothing in the book that suggests he was a slob.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is the main function of the fool in "King Lear"? What is the secondly function?

The fool as a character is confusing, but part of this is the difference between the 1600s and today, as well as the difference in place. If...