Final answer:
The author focuses on Lennie's kindness to contrast it with the cruelty of other characters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author spends so much of the narration talking about what a kind person Lennie is for option a) The author highlights Lennie's kindness to emphasize his innocence and vulnerability. By portraying Lennie as kind, the author establishes him as a sympathetic character who is unable to fully understand the consequences of his actions. This makes the audience more invested in Lennie's story and concerned for his well-being. The author uses Lennie's kindness to create a contrast with the cruelty of other characters, such as Curley, who mistreat Lennie. This contrast serves to highlight Lennie's vulnerability and the injustice he faces. Therefore, option b) The author focuses on Lennie's kindness to contrast it with the cruelty of other characters is correct.