Topic > Lennie's Unintelligent Quotes

IndexIntroductionBodyConclusionBibliographyIntroductionFrom the first pages of John Steinbeck's classic novel Of Mice and Men, it becomes apparent that Lennie Small, one of the main characters, is not the sharpest tool in the shed. His limited intellectual capacity is reflected in his speeches and actions, which often lead to disastrous consequences. In this essay we will explore some of Lennie's unintelligent quotes and their implications, shedding light on the character's mental limitations. Through careful analysis of these quotes, we will argue that Lennie's lack of intelligence serves as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold in the story, ultimately highlighting the harsh reality faced by individuals with cognitive disabilities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay BodyOne of the main indicators of Lennie's lack of intelligence is his childish speech. Throughout the novel, Lennie is depicted as someone who struggles to express himself coherently. For example, when George warns him about drinking water from a potentially contaminated swimming pool, Lennie responds, "I won't drink bad water. I'll take a drink" (Steinbeck, 7). Here, Lennie's use of a double negative and his inability to construct a grammatically correct sentence highlight his limited linguistic abilities. This childish way of speaking not only showcases Lennie's lack of intelligence, but also evokes sympathy from the reader, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals with cognitive disabilities. Lennie's lack of intelligence becomes even more evident in his numerous misunderstandings throughout the novel. His inability to grasp complex concepts often leads to disastrous consequences. For example, when George recounts their dream of owning a piece of land, Lennie expresses his desire to take care of the rabbits, saying, “I could pet them and they wouldn't bite me” (Steinbeck, 14). This statement reveals Lennie's inability to understand the harsh realities of the world. While his innocent aspirations are endearing, they also highlight his limited cognitive abilities and his inability to understand the consequences of his actions. Another aspect of Lennie's unintelligent speech is his repetitive use of certain phrases. Lennie often relies on familiar phrases to express himself, which further highlights his limited vocabulary and intellectual abilities. For example, when George scolds him for his behavior, Lennie responds with his signature phrase, “I forgot” (Steinbeck, 9). This repetitive use of "I forgot" emphasizes Lennie's inability to retain information and highlights his dependence on George for guidance. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by people with cognitive disabilities, who may have difficulty with memory and processing information. In addition to his words, Lennie's actions also provide evidence of his lack of intelligence. His childlike curiosity and inability to understand the consequences of his strength often lead to tragic outcomes. One such instance is when Lennie accidentally kills a puppy while petting it too roughly. Distraught, Lennie exclaims, "Why must you be killed? You're not as small as mice. I didn't make you jump hard" (Steinbeck, 85). This quote shows Lennie's inability to understand his own strength and the fragility of living beings. His actions, driven by his limited cognitive abilities, ultimately cause unintended harm and foreshadow the story's devastating climax. Conclusion In conclusion, Lennie's unintelligent quotes in Of Mice and Men shed light on the,, 1993.