John Steinbeck's Presentation Of Lennie In Of Mice And Men

Throughout the novella we see some of the different ways that Steinbeck leads up to George's final decision to shoot Lennie. At the start Lennie is portrayed as a childlike, animalistic, simpleminded character. "Slowly, like a terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again." This description of Lennie shows that Lennie's manner is that of a loyal dog, George here is shown almost as Lennie's master, as it gives the imagery of George watching Lennie bring the dead mouse to him as a dogs master watches their canines every move. Also by linking Lennie to an animal Steinbeck is making us question if Lennie can be held accountable for his actions. Throughout the novella Steinbeck hints towards

Strong as a bull" Here Steinbeck could be conveying to us what George really thinks of Lennie however, I think the more likely reason for his boasting of Lennie is that his main priority is about getting them both their jobs. The choice of the simile " strong as a bull" is significant because Steinbeck is yet again comparing Lennie to an animal, just as he does at the start and throughout the rest of the novella. Steinbeck may have used the animal bull as bulls are notoriously know for being out of control, just as George is of his actions and emotions. This will have effected George's decision to kill Lennie, as when an animal is out of control it is usually put down for the safety of itself and others. In a sense George puts down Lennie for his own safety too because if he had of remained alive he would've most likely suffered a worser fate. Steinbeck further presents the idea of Lennie being "put down" when Candys dog is shot by Carlson. This foreshadows Lennies fate as the dog is shot just as Lennie is at the end of the novella. This could of influenced George's decision to kill Lennie, as he see's Candys dog being shot and he see's the aftermath of the effect that it has on candy. I think this will of made George's decision easier as he knows that it's the best thing for Lennie. Candy says " I ought to have shot that dog myself