Exploring the Comparison: To What Animal is Lennie Compared in Of Mice and Men?
Do you remember the character Lennie in John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men? He is a big, strong man with a child-like mentality. Throughout the book, he is compared to an animal. But to what animal is Lennie most closely compared? Let's explore this question further.
Firstly, Lennie is often compared to a bear. He is large, lumbering, and has incredible strength. In fact, one of the other characters, Candy, says that he ain't no ordinary guy, implying that he is almost like an animal in his physical abilities.
However, Lennie is not just physically strong - he is also innocent and naive. He doesn't understand social norms and often gets into trouble because of this. For these reasons, he is also compared to a puppy or a child.
Interestingly, Steinbeck himself has said that he based Lennie on a real person he knew who was partially retarded, big, and strong. This suggests that Lennie's comparison to animals is not just a literary device, but may be based on real-life observations.
Another animal that Lennie is compared to is a horse. This could be because he is always willing to work and help out, even if he doesn't fully understand what he is doing. It could also be because he is somewhat single-minded and doesn't have much of a personality beyond his physical characteristics.
However, the most common comparison for Lennie is undoubtedly a rabbit. This is because at the beginning of the story, he is shown to have a love for soft things - he likes to pet mice and puppies, and dreams of having a soft piece of fabric to stroke. This desire ultimately leads to his downfall, as he accidentally kills a woman by stroking her hair too hard
Moreover, the comparison to a rabbit also highlights Lennie's vulnerability. Much like a rabbit, he is innocent and helpless in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving.
Despite these comparisons to animals, it's important to remember that Lennie is still human. He may have some animalistic tendencies, but he is ultimately a complex character with his own desires, fears, and motivations.
So why does Steinbeck compare Lennie to animals? One reason could be to emphasize the contrast between Lennie and the other characters in the book, who are mostly working-class men trying to make a living during the Great Depression. By highlighting Lennie's physical strength and childlike innocence, Steinbeck may be trying to show how different he is from the other characters who rely on their mental faculties to get by.
Another reason could be to draw attention to society's treatment of people with cognitive disabilities. By making Lennie seem more like an animal than a person, Steinbeck may be critiquing the way society dehumanizes people with disabilities.
In conclusion, Lennie is compared to various animals throughout Of Mice and Men, but the most common comparison is to a rabbit. This comparison highlights his innocence, vulnerability, and love of soft things. But it also serves as a commentary on society's treatment of people with disabilities. So the next time you read the book, keep this in mind and see if you can spot all the animal references!
"To What Animal Is Lennie Compared" ~ bbaz
The Relationship Between Lennie and Animals
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is undoubtedly one of the most famous American novels. The book follows the journey of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression in California. The book contains many hidden meanings and symbols, making it a significant work of literature.
Lennie, one of the main characters, is often compared to animals throughout the book. Interestingly, Lennie's behaviour and the way he acts around animals are similar to their behaviour. This similarity plays an essential role in how we perceive Lennie's character and the underlying themes of the novel.
The Mouse
In the opening scene of the novel, we see Lennie carrying a dead mouse in his pocket. When George discovers the mouse, he instantly becomes angry, and we learn that Lennie has a habit of accidentally killing small animals. Lennie explains that he likes to pet the mice and other soft animals, but he always ends up crushing them.
This scene helps to establish Lennie's innocence and the childlike behaviour, as well as his unfortunate tendency to cause unintentional harm. Additionally, it foreshadows future events in the book, where Lennie accidentally kills more significant animals and subsequently causes larger problems.
The Puppy and the Rabbit
Later in the book, Lennie finds a puppy and decides to keep it for himself. However, due to his inherent strength, he accidentally kills the dog by petting it too roughly. This incident leaves Lennie devastated and confused, as he is not intentionally violent; his love and affection for animals always blind him to the consequences of his actions.
Similarly, towards the end of the book, Lennie is alone and frightened, running away from the consequences of a mistake he made. In his mind, he sees a giant rabbit, which he mistakes for a friendly creature. At this point, Lennie is in crisis, and his mind uses the rabbit as an example of innocence and safety. However, the arrival of the rabbit only helps to emphasise the inevitable truth that, despite Lennie's intentions, animals and even humans will always be harmed by him.
The Bull
Steinbeck uses a bullfighting scene as a metaphor to ring out Lennie's characteristics. In the novel, George explains that when Lennie gets angry, he doesn't understand his own strength and capabilities. This theme plays out in the bullfighting scene, where the bull represents Lennie, who is governed by his animalistic tendencies. Just like the bull, Lennie is powerful and unpredictable, but his strength creates problems that could ultimately lead to his demise.
The Final Thoughts
Overall, Steinbeck uses various animal symbols to represent Lennie's character and behaviour in Of Mice and Men. The animals' portrayal helps readers understand that Lennie is not evil; rather, his mental capability makes it impossible for him to understand and control his actions. By showing Lennie's love for animals, the author creates sympathy and highlights that society should help and understand those that are different.
Indeed, Lennie is more an analogy to an animal than a human. His innocence, compassion, and ignorance towards harmful effects have put him in problematic situations that he could not even begin to comprehend. Despite his difficult behaviour, Lennie's character remains a sympathetic one, as we cannot help but feel sorry for him and his lack of understanding of the world around him.
In conclusion, Steinbeck has masterfully used animal symbolism to tell a thought-provoking story about society in the 1930s. His use of creatures to convey Lennie's behaviour and character helps create a stronger impact on readers to understand his unique situation fully. By comparing Lennie with animals, Steinbeck reminds readers of the importance of compassion and understanding in life, especially toward those who face challenges that they cannot control.
Comparison of Lennie with Animal
Introduction
Lennie, one of the central characters in John Steinbeck's novella 'Of Mice and Men,' is frequently compared to animals for his behavior patterns. This comparison extends throughout the text, particularly with rabbits, mice, and a bear. It brings readers' focus to Lennie's childlike innocence, his love of sensory pleasure, and his brute strength. In this comparison blog post, we will examine how Lennie's character and actions align with those of animals.Rabbits
Throughout the novel, Lennie expresses his interest in rabbits, as he hopes to pet and take care of them. Lennie's fondness for rabbits reflects his childlike innocence and his desire for companionship. Nevertheless, Lennie's enormous strength and inability to grasp his physical power becomes apparent in the book when he crushes the animals in his arms accidentally. It highlights the fact that Lennie serves to represent the conflict and contrast between innocence and strength.The Rabbit | LennieCute and Innocent | Innocent and ChildlikeVulnerable | Physically StrongMeticulous eater | Craves Sensory PleasureMice
Similar to rabbits, Lennie's treatment of mice is another metaphor that comments on his childlike nature and brutality. Lennie held onto his dead puppy and the fate of Curley's wife, indicating his inability to consistently manage his physical strength. The author writes for Lennie to be like a big baby as he loves soft things like mice. This sentiment is shattered when he unintentionally kills it. Through Lennie's obsession with petting things, the author emphasizes the dangers of naivete and innocence.The Mouse | LennieSmall and Delicate | Naive and InnocentVulnerable | Focused on Sensory PleasureSensitive | Strong but UncontrolledBear
The bear's metaphor reflects a more primal aspect of Lennie's character. Lennie, like a bear, is a powerful creature that can be unpredictable and threatening. Steinbeck shows Lennie's brute strength in different ways throughout the story when he snaps Curley's hand or smashes his wife's skull in. In addition, bears hibernate during the winter, and they enter into the natural cycle of death and rebirth. The bear's life cycle can be compared to Lennie's fate as he dies in innocence before realizing the horrors of society.The Bear | LenniePowerful and Unpredictable | StrongThreatening | Unaware of Social NormsCyclic Death and Rebirth | InnocentOpinion
In conclusion, Lennie is a complex character who exhibits animal-like qualities throughout the novella. The use of animal symbols to represent Lennie and his interactions with them highlights his childlike nature, inability to control his physical power, and his unfortunate tragic death. Steinbeck showcases that the struggle between nature and human nature can only lead to negative outcomes when conflicting forces meet. Delving into this nuance, the text presents readers with larger questions related to the human condition and how social norms shapes us. Lennie is seen as a victim of society instead of just an animal foil, thereby emphasizing the greater themes at work in Steinbeck's text.To What Animal Is Lennie Compared
Introduction
In the novel 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck, Lennie Small is a strong but mentally challenged man who is continuously compared to various animals throughout the story. This comparison adds to the symbolism and its broader meaning in the book. In this article, we will explore and discuss the different animals that Lennie was compared to and what they represent.Lennie Compared to a Bear
Lennie's physical strength is often compared to that of a bear. His size and massive physique resemble its form, while his childlike behavior and innocence are similar to that of a cub. Lennie injures many people in his life accidentally, just as a bear could unintentionally harm others. When Lennie is under stress, his hands start to shake, and he tightens his grip to remain calm, which is also another feature he shares with bears.Lennie Compared to a Mouse
George often compares Lennie to a mouse, as he is small, weak, and vulnerable emotionally. Lennie's mental shortcomings make him innocent and entirely reliant on George for guidance, just as a mouse relies on a more prominent figure to protect it from danger. In addition, Lennie's love for animals often leads him to hurt them without knowing or meaning to, much like a cat playing with a mouse.Lennie Compared to a Dog
Lennie is compared to a dog when it comes to his loyal nature, blind obedience, and affectionate disposition. Like dogs, Lennie has an innate desire to please George at all times, always doing his best to prove his loyalty and love. He is faithful without questioning and ready to do anything to please his owner, just as a dog does for its master.Lennie Compared to a Bull
Lennie's physical strength and aggression often compare him to a bull. He is like a bull in the way that he blindly charges towards his goals, and once he has set his mind on something, nothing can stop or deter him. Lennie also becomes consumed by a lust for violence when he is threatened or provoked, causing him to display uncontrolled rage and destruction, much like an angry bull.Lennie Compared to a Sheep
Lennie is unlike most other men in the book as he is unaware of his own strength and innocence. This naivety is similar to that of a sheep, often unsuspectingly falling into traps or harm's way due to their lack of knowledge. Lennie's mental disability makes him susceptible to being taken advantage of, and he can easily be led astray or manipulated because of this trait.Conclusion
In conclusion, the various animalistic comparisons made to Lennie in Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' help to reinforce the themes and deeper meanings of the novel. Through these comparisons, Lennie's strengths and weaknesses are more clearly defined, and his relationship with George is further elaborated on, giving the reader a better understanding of the two characters. The juxtaposition of these animals against Lennie's unique characteristics creates a sense of contrast, making his character more complex and intriguing for the reader.To What Animal Is Lennie Compared?
Welcome, dear visitors! Today we are going to discuss one of the most interesting and controversial topics in literature. If you are a fan of classic novels or a student who is studying them, you might have heard about the famous book ‘Of Mice and Men’ written by John Steinbeck.
The plot of this novel revolves around two main characters named George and Lennie, who are migrant workers in California during the Great Depression era. Although both of them are opposite in their personalities and behaviors, their friendship remains firm throughout the story. However, there is one particular scene in which Lennie is compared to an animal, and that is what we are going to explore today.
Before we proceed, let’s have a brief look at the background of the novel. The book was published in 1937 and became an instant hit among readers. It was later adapted into several films and stage plays. The central theme of the novel is loneliness, isolation, and the cruelty of society. Through his characters, Steinbeck portrays the plight of the marginalized people who struggle to survive and find a sense of belonging in a harsh world.
Now coming back to our topic, Lennie, who is mentally handicapped, is often compared to an animal throughout the novel. One scene, in particular, stands out where George describes Lennie's behavior as similar to that of a dog. George said that Lennie was snorting into the water like a horse as he drank from a river. He also compared Lennie to a terrier saying, you never oughta drink water when it ain't running, in a way similar to training a pet dog. These examples show how George perceives Lennie's behavior as that of an animal.
The comparison between Lennie and an animal is not limited to George's perception only. Other characters in the novel have also used this analogy to describe Lennie's personality. For instance, Candy compared him to a bear saying, I seen guys nearly crazy with lonliness for land, but ever' time a woman come near they just dissapear. But you! A big guy like you! The fact that Lennie is physically imposing and has an uncontrolled temper provides further evidence of his animalistic behavior.
Another interesting aspect to consider here is the use of foreshadowing through animal symbolism. Throughout the novel, Steinbeck has used various animals to hint at the future events in the story. For instance, the death of Curley’s wife is prefigured by the death of Lennie’s puppy. Similarly, Lennie’s fate is also hinted when he talks about wanting to tend rabbits in the future. Rabbits are small and helpless animals who are often preyed upon, just like Lennie himself.
In conclusion, the comparison between Lennie and an animal is a recurring motif in ‘Of Mice and Men.’ While it is debatable whether this analogy justifies or stigmatizes mental illness, it certainly adds depth and complexity to Lennie's character. By comparing Lennie to different animals, Steinbeck highlights his innocence, his physical strength, and his vulnerability all at once.
We hope our readers have enjoyed this brief analysis and would love to hear your thoughts on this topic as well. Feel free to share your opinions and insights in the comment section below!
Thank you for reading!
To What Animal Is Lennie Compared
Why do people ask to what animal is Lennie compared?
People ask this question because animal imagery is frequently used by John Steinbeck in ‘Of Mice and Men’. This novel is set in the Great Depression era when migrant workers travelled around America for work, and as such, Steinbeck’s use of animal imagery is a metaphor that enhances the reader’s understanding of the characters, as well as providing symbolism and foreshadowing.
What animal is Lennie compared to?
Lennie Small, one of the main characters in ‘Of Mice and Men’, is often compared to various animals throughout the novel. Here are some of the most common animals he is compared to:
1.A bear: Lennie is often compared to a bear because of his immense strength and size. Like a bear, he can be gentle and loving at times, but also becomes dangerous and violent when provoked or frightened.
2.A puppy: Lennie is also compared to a puppy because of his innocence and simplicity. He is described as having a childlike mindset and a love for soft things, just like a puppy.
3.A mouse: Lennie’s last name, ‘Small’, is not accidental. The character has a sweet and childlike quality that makes him vulnerable, much like a mouse in the wild. This is emphasized by George, who tells Lennie that he is too big and strong to handle things carefully, just like a mouse is too small and weak.
What is the significance of these comparisons?
The significance of comparing Lennie to various animals lies in the fact that it provides deeper insights into his character and his relationship with other characters in the book.
1.The bear metaphor emphasizes Lennie’s physical strength and his potential for violence, which foreshadows the tragic conclusion of the book.
2.The puppy metaphor emphasizes Lennie’s innocence and simplicity, which makes his eventual fate even more tragic.
3.The mouse metaphor emphasizes Lennie’s vulnerability and how he is not fully equipped to handle the harsh realities of the world, which foreshadows his eventual fate.