John Steinbeck created the character of Lennie Small in "Of Mice and Men" to embody the complexities of human nature, illustrating the coexistence of innocence and vulnerability alongside strength and danger. Lennie's mental disabilities and childlike demeanor allow him to operate in a world that often overlooks or marginalizes those with intellectual challenges, serving as a poignant symbol of the dreams and struggles of marginalized individuals during the Great Depression. His animal-like qualities, such as his brute strength, childlike curiosity, and instinctual behavior, further emphasize his untamed nature and the primal struggle for survival in a harsh landscape, reflecting the delicate balance between innocence and the often brutal realities of life. Through Lennie, Steinbeck explores themes of friendship, the pursuit of dreams, and the inherent fragility of the human condition.
Why do you think John Steinbeck created the character of Lennie? What do you believe was Steinbeck's deeper motivation behind creating Lennie , a character with many strengths and flaws? Does Lennie display animal-like qualities? Explain in detail
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