IndexLennie's InnocenceLennie's LoyaltyLennie's ImpulsivenessConclusionBibliographyOf Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, is a classic American novel that explores the lives of migrant workers during the Great Depression. One of the central characters in the story is Lennie Small, a mentally disabled man with incredible physical strength. Lennie's character traits play a significant role in shaping the narrative and exploring themes of loneliness, dreams, and the human condition. Through his innocence, loyalty, and impulsiveness, Lennie embodies the complexities of human nature and invites readers to reflect on their own character traits and the impact they have on their lives. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Lennie's Innocence One of Lennie's defining character traits is his innocence. Despite his physical strength, Lennie possesses a childlike naivety that shapes his interactions with others. From the beginning of the novel it is evident that Lennie does not fully understand the consequences of his actions. For example, when he pets a puppy too forcefully and accidentally kills it, he is genuinely perplexed by the puppy's lifeless body. This incident highlights Lennie's innocence and his inability to understand the fragility of life. Furthermore, Lennie's innocence is further emphasized by his love of soft and delicate things. He is fascinated by the texture of George's shirt and the sensation of petting a puppy. Lennie's desire to touch and feel these objects comes from his innocent curiosity, mirroring the innocence of a child exploring the world around them. However, Lennie's innocence becomes tragic as his inability to control his own strength leads to the unintended harm of those around him, ultimately contributing to the novel's devastating climax. Lennie's Loyalty Another key character trait of Lennie is his unwavering loyalty to his friend and caretaker, George. Lennie's loyalty is evident from the beginning of the novel, as he follows George's every instruction without question. Despite George's occasional frustrations with Lennie, he recognizes and appreciates Lennie's unwavering loyalty. This loyalty forms the foundation of their unique friendship and serves as a source of comfort and stability for both characters. Lennie's loyalty extends beyond his relationship with George. He is also fiercely loyal to his dream of owning a piece of land and living off the fat of the land. This dream becomes a beacon of hope for Lennie, providing him with purpose and motivation. Lennie's loyalty to this dream is so strong that it becomes a driving force in his actions, pushing him forward despite the many obstacles and setbacks he encounters. Lennie's Impulsiveness While Lennie's innocence and loyalty are endearing traits, his impulsiveness is a double-edged sword that often leads to disastrous consequences. Lennie's inability to control his impulses is a recurring theme throughout the novel. For example, when he accidentally kills Curley's wife, his immediate response is to hide his actions out of fear and panic. This impulsive decision ultimately seals his fate and leads to his tragic end. Additionally, Lennie's impulsiveness is evident in his interactions with others. He often acts on his desires without considering the potential consequences. This impulsiveness is especially evident in his interactions with Curley, the chief's son, who Lennie inadvertently provokes with his innocent actions. Lennie's impulsiveness not only endangers himself but also endangers those around him, 1993.