Question

How are George and Lennie different, based on the descriptions of looks/behaviors and speech that Steinbeck offers? Record your answer in a six-sentence paragraph.

In the opening section of the novella, Steinbeck wishes to portray the relationship between George and Lennie as ‘leader’ and ‘follower’. Steinbeck highlights that ‘they walked in single file’ down the narrow path and when they came into the open, ‘one stayed behind the other’; which immediately indicates that George is dominant in this relationship, therefore Lennie is somewhat irresponsible, dependent and incapable of looking after himself. This image illustrates that George acts as a parental figure and Lennie is similar to a shy child hiding behind a father. Furthermore, in Chapter 2 this idea is developed when George also carries Lennie’s work card, knowing that Lennie would lose it if he was responsible for it "Think I’d let you carry your own work card?". This quote shows how George acts as a parental figure for Lennie; George must look after Lennie’s important possessions, as George knows that he will just lose them because of his simple-mindedness. The rhetorical question also shows George’s frustration with Lennie’s small mental capacity as he is always creating problems.

Answer 1

George is the leader and responsible, while Lennie is dependent and childlike, in 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the novella 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck, George and Lennie are depicted as contrasting characters. George is described as the leader and more responsible of the two, while Lennie is portrayed as dependent and childlike. Steinbeck emphasizes this by showing that George takes on the role of a parental figure, looking out for Lennie's well-being and possessions. For example, George carries Lennie's work card to prevent him from losing it. This demonstrates George's understanding of Lennie's simple-mindedness and the need for him to take care of him.