Lennie Small is one of the most interesting characters in John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.”
Although mentally handicapped, Lennie has a child-like innocence about him that makes him lovable. But he also had a scary dark side that he couldn’t control.
50 Of Mice And Men Quotes With Page Numbers
Who is Lennie Small?
Lennie Small is a beloved character in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men due to his unique characteristics. He is a giant of a man with a mental disability that makes him childlike and naive but also loyal and caring.
Lennie’s innocence and loyalty to George Milton symbolize the individual’s struggles against society and remind us of the fragility of the human spirit.
The 15 best Lennie Small quotes from Of Mice and Men
Lennie Small is a character in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. Lennie is a giant man with immense physical strength and childlike innocence. Throughout the novel, Lennie is portrayed as a lovable yet dangerous individual. The following Lennie Small quotes showcase some of his best and worst moments.
1. “I tried and tried. I couldn’ help it.”
“I tried and tried. I couldn’ help it.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 6, Page 102
The quote by Lennie Small reflects his understanding that he often finds himself in situations where he cannot help himself due to his mental disability. He acknowledges that he cannot control himself, often resulting in impulsive behavior that he regrets later.
His statement implies that people should not blame him for his actions because he can’t help it. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and understanding the limitations of those with disabilities.
2. “I wisht George was here. I wisht George was here.”
“I wisht George was here. I wisht George was here.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 4, Page 81
The quote “I wisht George was here. I wisht George was here.” conveys the powerful bond between George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant workers searching for a better life during the Great Depression.
Despite their differences in personality and circumstance, they remain devoted to one another. George serves as Lennie’s protector, friend, and confidante.
The quote speaks to the loneliness inherent in their circumstances and the longing for companionship and understanding. It also points to the themes of friendship and hope that are integral to the story of Of Mice and Men.
25 George Milton Quotes With Page Numbers
3. “I wisht I had that velvet right now,”
“I wisht I had that velvet right now,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 5, Page 90
Lennie’s desire for a simple piece of luxury is heartbreakingly poignant in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. As he and George work their way from ranch to ranch, Lennie is often overwhelmed with longing for the slightest bit of comfort and beauty. In his quote, “I wisht I had that velvet right now,”
Lennie’s innocence and yearning come through, reminding us of the harshness of his reality and the little joys he is denied.
4. “Sure I can, George. Hide in the brush till you come.”
“Sure I can, George. Hide in the brush till you come.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 5, Page 90
In this quote from Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small reassures his best friend and companion, George Milton, that he will stay out of trouble by hiding in the brush until George comes to get him.
This simple phrase speaks to the deep bond of friendship and loyalty between the two men, as Lennie always follows George’s instructions and looks to him for guidance. It is a classic example of the unconditional love and support between the two, with Lennie always willing to put up with George’s sometimes harsh words for their friendship.
5. “We could live offa the fatta the lan’.”
“We could live offa the fatta the lan’.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 3, Page 59
In this quote from Of Mice and Men, Lennie expresses his enthusiasm for the future he believes he and George will have. He imagines a life where they have a place and can rely on their garden and livestock for sustenance.
They can then supplement their income by selling eggs, milk, and other produce. Lennie is deeply invested in this dream and looks forward to the freedom and security owning a farm would provide.
This quote provides a glimpse into Lennie’s optimism and close connection to George and reminds readers of the enduring power of hope in difficult times.
6. “I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon, George. They ain’t so little.”
“I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon, George. They ain’t so little.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 11
In this quote, Lennie expresses his anticipation of getting rabbits for their farm, an ongoing dream of George and him.
He emphasizes that the rabbits are not so little, hinting at the awareness of his strength and the potential destruction it can cause when he accidentally kills small animals with his powerful hands.
This phrase is significant because it speaks to Lennie’s understanding of the danger his physical strength can pose to the animals. It also signals his eagerness to care for the rabbits once they are in his possession.
7. “I won’t get in no trouble, George. I ain’t gonna say a word.”
“I won’t get in no trouble, George. I ain’t gonna say a word.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 17
In the quote, “I won’t get in no trouble, George. I ain’t gonna say a word,” Lennie shows his loyalty to George and recognition of their precarious situation.
George knows that if anyone discovers the two are traveling together, they risk being discovered and reported to the police. As such, George forbids Lennie from talking to anyone if they start asking questions or discovering details of their past.
This quote speaks to the strength of their friendship, as Lennie is willing to follow George’s instructions without argument and without hesitation to keep them both safe.
8. “Don’t tell nobody,’ Lennie said to himself.”
“Don’t tell nobody,” Lennie said to himself.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 3, Page 62
Lennie Small from John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is an endearing and loyal companion to George Milton. A recurring line in the book is Lennie’s “Don’t tell nobody.” T
his phrase encapsulates the trust and bond of friendship between the two men, who rely on each other despite their vastly different personalities.
In this quote, Lennie is reassuring himself of the importance of keeping secrets between them, demonstrating the depth of their bond and his trust in George.
9. “George gonna come back,”
“George gonna come back,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 4, Page 73
This quote from Lennie Small in Of Mice and Men speaks volumes about his character. Even when faced with the prospect of a risky adventure, Lennie expresses his trust and loyalty to his friend George.
He knows that George will return for him no matter what, and he puts his faith in that.
This touching moment of devotion between two inseparable friends highlights Lennie and George’s strong bond and demonstrates Lennie’s character’s faithfulness.
10. “But not us! An’ why? Because …. because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.”
“But not us! An’ why? Because …. because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 15
Lennie’s quote highlights the significance of his special relationship with George. While other workers may not get into the trouble Lennie and George often do, they are sometimes very lonely.
Lennie and George, however, have each other, which is why they are not lonely. They look out for each other, have a purpose in life, and have a future to look forward to.
Despite their difficulties, such as the woman with the red dress initially, they always have each other. This quote emphasizes the importance of friendship and how it can be the only thing that gets you through hard times.
Of Mice and Men Quotes About Friendship
11. “I don’t want to hurt you,”
“I don’t want to hurt you,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 5, Page 91
Lennie’s words, “I don’t want to hurt you,” reveal his innocent and gentle nature. Despite his immense physical strength, Lennie was not looking to cause any harm.
The moment powerfully reminds us that while his actions can have severe consequences, Lennie is not malicious.
His words demonstrate his inner struggle to control his own power and prevent unintentional destruction.
Additionally, the phrase shows how Lennie’s strength proves to be too much, even for himself.
12. “I can go right off there an’ find a cave,…-an’ never have no ketchup-but I won’t care.”
“I can go right off there an’ find a cave,” he said. And he continued sadly, “-an’ never have no ketchup-but I won’t care. If George don’t want me . . . . I’ll go away. I’ll go away.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 6, Page 99
Lennie spoke with sadness and desperation that could not be mistaken. Knowing that he had broken Curly’s wife’s neck and that George would be angry with him for it, Lennie wanted to find a way to make it up to him.
He offered to go away, find a cave, and live there, never to enjoy the pleasure of ketchup again.
His loyalty and dedication to George were clear and undeniable, and his words show the true depth of the friendship and bond the two men shared.
13. “He said gently, “George…I ain’t got mine. I musta lost it.” He looked down at the ground in despair.”
“He said gently, “George…I ain’t got mine. I musta lost it.” He looked down at the ground in despair.
“You never had none, you crazy bastard. I got both of ’em here. Think I’d let you carry your own work card?”
Lennie grinned with relief.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 6
This quote from Of Mice and Men shows George and Lennie’s strong bond of companionship.
When Lennie is overwhelmed with despair after losing his work card, George quickly reassures him that he never had one in the first place, demonstrating George’s deep care and loyalty for Lennie.
14.“Tha’s good,” he said. “You drink some, George. You take a good big drink.” He smiled happily.”
“Tha’s good,” he said. “You drink some, George. You take a good big drink.” He smiled happily.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 4
Lennie’s innocent offering of water to George in Of Mice and Men speaks to his trusting, gentle nature and appreciation for simple pleasures. His smile conveys his joy and the deep bond between him and George.
15. “We gonna work on a ranch, George.”
“We gonna work on a ranch, George.’
“God, you’re a lot of trouble,” said George. “I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail. I could live so easy and maybe have a girl.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 9
For a moment, Lennie lay quiet, and then he said hopefully, “We gonna work on a ranch, George.”
George’s quote to Lennie in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men reflects George’s difficult life of companionship and responsibility with Lennie. He longs for a life of ease and can imagine what he could do if Lennie weren’t reliant on him.
Despite this, as soon as Lennie offers hope in the form of the dream of working on a ranch together, George finds himself resetting his sights on the goal and continuing with Lennie in tow.
16. “They was so little,”
“Lennie looked sadly up at him. “They was so little,” he said apologetically. “I’d pet ’em, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinched their heads a little and then they was dead – because they was so little. I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon, George. They ain’t so little.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 11
Lennie Small symbolizes innocence, strength, and childlike joy in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. In the novel, Lennie is a large and strong man who is loyal and good-hearted but also has a diminished mental capacity.
His innocence is represented by his animal-like behavior, his pure joy at the prospect of owning a ranch, and his trusting relationship with George.
However, his sheer strength and impulsive nature also remind him of the potential danger he can pose if uncontrolled.
Lennie is ultimately a complex figure. He is an endearing symbol of childhood innocence but also a cautionary reminder of the power of unchecked strength.
Lennie quotes about rabbits
Some of Lennie Small’s rabbit quotes from Of Mice and Men include:
“I can still tend the rabbits, George? I didn’t mean no harm, George.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 3, Page 67
“Evening of a hot day started the little wind to moving among the leaves. The shade climbed up the hills toward the top. On the sand banks the rabbits sat as quietly as little gray, sculptured stones”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 3
“Tried and tried,” said Lennie, “but it didn’t do no good. I remember about the rabbits, George.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 6
“I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon, George. They ain’t so little.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 11
“An’ live off the fatta the lan’,”Lennie shouted. “An’ haverabbits. Go on, George! Tell about what we’re gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages and about the rain in the winter and the stove, and how thick the cream is an the milk like you can hardly cut it. Tell about that, George.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 16
“Let’s have different color rabbits, George.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 1, Page 17
“If I get in any trouble, you ain’t gonna let me tend the rabbits.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small, Chapter 2 Page 31
What are Quotes that Lennie says?
In the book Of Mice and Men, some of the quotes that Lennie says include:
“They run us outa Weed,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 1 Page 8
“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 15
“We could live offa the fatta the lan’,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 3, Page 59
“It ain’t no lie. We’re gonna do it. Gonna get a little place an’ live on the fatta the lan’,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 4, Page 70
“But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it all for you. You could cover your beans with it and I wouldn’t touch none of it.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 13
What quotes show Lennie is strong?
These quotes show Lennie’s strength in his physical form, his ability to work hard, and his courage in the face of fear.
“Behind him walked his opposite, a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, and wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 4
“O.K., said George. An’ you ain’t gonna do no bad things like you done in Weed, neither.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George to Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 8
(Lennie’s strength: Self-control)
“Lennie looked sadly up at him. “They was so little,” he said apologetically. “I’d pet ’em, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinched their heads a little and then they was dead – because they was so little. I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon, George. They ain’t so little.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 11
“You crazy son-of-a-bitch. You keep me in hot water all the time.” He took on the elaborate manner of little girls when they are mimicking one another. “Jus’ wanted to feel that girl’s dress – jus’ wanted to pet it like it was a mouse – Well, how the hell did she know you jus’ wanted to feel her dress? She jerks back and you hold on like it was a mouse. She yells and we got to hide in a irrigation ditch all day with guys lookin’ for us, and we got to sneak out in the dark and get outta the country. All the time somethin’ like that – all the time.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George to Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 13
“The boss pointed a playful finger at Lennie. “He ain’t much of a talker, is he?”
“No, he ain’t, but he’s sure a hell of a good worker. Strong as a bull.”
Lennie smiled to himself. “Strong as a bull,” he repeated.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Boss, George, and Lennie, Chapter 2, Page 23
“Say, you sure was right about him. Maybe he ain’t bright, but I never seen such a worker. He damn near killed his partner buckin’ barley. There ain’t nobody can keep up with him. God awmighty I never seen such a strong guy.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Slim about Lennie, Chapter 3, Page 40
“Lennie covered his face with huge paws and bleated with terror.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Lennie, Chapter 3, Page 63
“Don’t you go yellin’,” he said, and he shook her; and her body flopped like a fish. And then she was still, for Lennie had broken her neck.
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 5, Page 91
What is the quote about Lennie drinking water?
“Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes; rings widened across the pool to the other side and came back again. Lennie watched them go. ‘Look, George. Look what I done.'”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 3
What is the quote about Lennie liking soft things?
“That mouse ain’t fresh, Lennie; and besides, you’ve broke it pettin’ it. You get another mouse that’s fresh and I’ll let you keep it a little while,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George to Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 11
This quote reveals Lennie’s gentle nature and his fondness for soft things.
Throughout the novel, Lennie pets soft objects, ranging from a mouse to a rabbit to a woman’s hair. His affinity for softer items is a metaphor for his inability to prevent his physical power from destroying those smaller than him, as seen when he breaks Curley’s wife’s neck
in the novel. His unintended but inevitable acts of destruction serve as a reminder of humanity’s destructive nature.
What is Lennie a symbol of?
Lennie Small symbolizes innocence, strength, and childlike joy in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. In the novel, Lennie is a large and strong man who is loyal and good-hearted but also has a diminished mental capacity.
His innocence is represented by his animal-like behavior, his pure joy at the prospect of owning a ranch, and his trusting relationship with George.
However, his sheer strength and impulsive nature also remind him of the potential danger he can pose if uncontrolled.
Lennie is ultimately a complex figure. He is an endearing symbol of childhood innocence but also a cautionary reminder of the power of unchecked strength.
What is Lennie obsessed with?
Lennie is obsessively drawn to soft, fluffy fur and feathers. This is likely due to his mental disability, which causes him to fixate on these objects because of their inviting texture and shape.
He often holds and strokes them and sometimes fails to realize the strength of his own grip, killing whatever he is holding. His fixation on these objects is portrayed throughout the novel, such as when he attempts to stroke Curley’s wife’s hair, which leads to disastrous consequences.
This obsession ultimately serves as a metaphor for Lennie’s powerlessness and the danger of his mental disability.
Why did George shoot Lennie?
George had to shoot Lennie to protect him from further harm, as Lennie had caused so much trouble. Curley had already threatened to kill Lennie, so George knew that killing him with a gunshot to the back of the head would be a quick and painless death.
Additionally, George had taken on Lennie when his Aunt left him, and he trusted him not to cause any problems, so shooting him was a hard but necessary decision.
Quotes that show Lennie is childish.
…”He’s jes’ like kid, ain’t he.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Slim about Lennie, Chapter 3, Page 43
“Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The narrator about Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 4
“He pushed himself back, drew up his knees, embraced them, looked over to George to see
whether he had it just right. He pulled his hat down a little more over his eyes, the way George’s hat was. ” (Lennie doesn’t think for himself).~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 5
“If you don’ want me I can go off in the hills an’ find a cave. I can go away any time.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 14
(Lennie tries to manipulate George).
“Tell me. Please, George. Like you done before”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie to George, Chapter 1, Pages 14, 15
(Lennie likes to hear about the farm).
“Slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 9
“He [Lennie] walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 4
“Snorting into the water like a horse” (The way Lennie drinks is childish).
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 4
George and Lennie quotes
“O.K.,” said George. “An’ you ain’t gonna do no bad things like you done in Weed, neither.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton to Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 8
“Lennie—if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an’ hide in the brush… Hide in the brush till I come for you.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George to Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 17
“It ain’t so funny, him an’ me goin’ aroun’ together,” George said at last. ”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George about Lennie, Chapter 3, Page 41
“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie to George, Chapter 1, Page 15
“We could live offa the fatta the lan’.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie to George, Chapter 3, Page 59
“It ain’t no lie. We’re gonna do it. Gonna get a little place an’ live on the fatta the lan’.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie to George, Chapter 4, Page 70
“Lennie, who had been watching, imitated George exactly.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Lennie and George, Chapter 1, Page 5
“I was only foolin’, George. I don’t want no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat no ketchup if it was right here beside me.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie to George, Chapter 1, Page 13
“Lennie said, ‘I thought you was mad at me, George.’ “‘No,’ said George. ‘No, Lennie, I ain’t mad. I never been mad, and I ain’ now. That’s a thing I want ya to know.'”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George to Lennie, Chapter 6, Page 106
“George : Guys like us that work on ranches are the loneliest guys in the world. They ain’t got no family and they don’t belong no place. They got nothin’ to look ahead to…”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George to Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 15
“But I wouldn’t eat none, George. I’d leave it all for you. You could cover your beans with it and I wouldn’t touch none of it.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie to George, Chapter 1, Page 13
Quotes about Lennie’s disability
Some of Lennie Small’s disability quotes from Of Mice and Men include:
“Blubberin’ like a baby!… A big guy like you!”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George about Lennie, Chapter 1, Page 11
“He ain’t no cuckoo,” said George. “He’s dumb as hell, but he ain’t crazy.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George about Lennie, Chapter 3, Page 11
“I done another bad thing,” Lennie said softly. “I forgettin’ things alla time.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, Chapter 2, Page 24
“He ain’t bright,” George said curtly. “Jus’ like a kid.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George about Lennie, Chapter 2, Page 20
Sources