He dreams of rabbits, crushes mice with unintentional strength, and remains utterly dependent on his friend George.
Lennie Small, the tragic giant in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, has a dangerous combination of immense physical power and childlike innocence.
Why does this gentle giant evoke such empathy, even as his actions lead to devastation? Explore the complexities of Lennie’s character through 40 essential quotes (31 direct and 9 about him) drawn directly from the novella.
Discover his unwavering loyalty, dream, fixation on soft things, and the tragic consequences of strength wielded without understanding, all presented with analysis and page numbers for easy reference.
Understanding Lennie Small
Lennie Small stands as a central figure in John Steinbeck’s poignant novella, Of Mice and Men. Physically imposing but possessing a significant mental disability, Lennie navigates the harsh world of migrant ranch work with a childlike naivety.
His defining traits include immense physical strength, an obsession with petting soft things (like mice and rabbits), unwavering loyalty to his companion George Milton, and a profound lack of understanding regarding his own power and the consequences of his actions.
Lennie embodies innocence caught in a brutal environment, symbolizing the vulnerability of the powerless and the fragility of dreams.
Key Lennie Small Quotes from Of Mice and Men
Explore the defining moments and words that illuminate the character of Lennie Small, revealing his core nature and foreshadowing his tragic trajectory.
The Allure of Soft Things
Lennie’s fixation on petting soft textures provides comfort but leads repeatedly to disaster.
“I could pet it with my thumb while we walked along.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, referring to a dead mouse, Theme: Obsession, Comfort, Innocence, Foreshadowing, Chapter 1, Page 7)
This early quote establishes Lennie’s core desire for tactile comfort and his inability to grasp the inappropriateness or danger inherent in his actions.
“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, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Unintentional Harm, Lack of Control, Strength vs. Fragility, Foreshadowing, Chapter 1, Page 11)
Lennie tragically recounts his pattern of accidentally killing small creatures, revealing both his gentle intentions and his dangerous lack of control over his strength.
“I wisht I had that velvet right now,”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Sensory Desire, Comfort, Simplicity, Chapter 5, Page 90)
“I like to pet nice things. Once at a fair I seen some of them long-hair rabbits. An’ they was nice, you bet. Sometimes I’ve even pet mice, but not when I could get nothing better.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Motivation, Obsession, Sensory Need, Chapter 5, Page 89)
Innocence and Unintentional Harm
Lennie rarely intends malice, but his actions, driven by simple desires and a lack of understanding, often result in tragedy.
“Tha’s good,” he said. “You drink some, George. You take a good big drink.” He smiled happily.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Innocence, Sharing, Simple Joy, Friendship, Chapter 1, Page 4)
“I wasn’t doin’ nothing bad with it, George. Jus’ strokin’ it.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, referring to the dead mouse, Theme: Innocence, Misunderstanding, Justification, Chapter 1, Page 11)
“I don’t want no trouble,” he said plaintively. “Don’t let him sock me, George.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Fear, Vulnerability, Avoidance of Conflict, Chapter 2, Page 30)
“I ain’t done nothing, George. Slim says I better not pet them pups so much for a while. Slim says it ain’t good for them; so I come right in. I been good, George.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Obedience, Desire for Approval, Following Rules, Chapter 3, Page 56)
“I didn’t wanta,” Lennie cried. “I didn’t wanta hurt him.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, after crushing Curley’s hand, Theme: Remorse, Lack of Intent, Fear of Consequences, Chapter 3, Page 65)
Despite the violence inflicted, Lennie’s immediate reaction is fear and regret, highlighting that his actions stemmed from panic, not malice.
“I don’t want to hurt you,”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, to Curley’s wife’s body, Theme: Innocence, Lack of Intent, Tragedy, Chapter 5, Page 91)
Even after the fatal act, Lennie’s primary thought reflects his lack of malicious intent, underscoring the tragedy of his condition.
“I done another bad thing,”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, realizing Curley’s wife is dead, Theme: Consequence, Fear, Self-Awareness (Limited), Chapter 5, Page 91)
“I tried and tried. I couldn’ help it.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, to vision of Aunt Clara, Theme: Remorse, Lack of Control, Powerlessness, Chapter 6, Page 102)
This plea encapsulates Lennie’s tragedy: a recognition of wrongdoing coupled with an inherent inability to prevent it.
Loyalty and Dependence on George
George is Lennie’s anchor, protector, and the keeper of their shared dream.
“Look, George. Look what I done.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, showing George ripples in water, Theme: Childlike Wonder, Seeking Approval, Connection to George, Chapter 1, Page 5)
“I forgot,” Lennie said softly. “I tried not to forget. Honest to God I did, George.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Memory Issues, Dependence, Desire to Please, Chapter 1, Page 5)
“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, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Friendship, Dependence, Reciprocity, Hope, Chapter 1, Page 15)
Lennie understands their relationship provides the crucial difference between their hopeful future and the lonely existence of other ranch hands.
“Sure I can, George. Hide in the brush till you come.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Obedience, Trust, Reliance on George, Chapter 1, Page 17)
“George says I ain’t to have nothing to do with you-talk to you or nothing.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, to Curley’s wife, Theme: Obedience, Fear of George’s Disapproval, Chapter 5, Page 86)
“I wisht George was here. I wisht George was here.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, feeling threatened by Crooks/Curley’s wife, Theme: Dependence, Fear, Need for Protection, Chapter 4, Page 81)
“George gonna come back,”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, reassuring himself, Theme: Faith in George, Loyalty, Dependence, Chapter 4, Page 73)
“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, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Emotional Manipulation?, Fear of Abandonment, Dependence, Chapter 1, Page 14)
Lennie uses the threat of leaving, however unrealistic, to gauge George’s commitment and alleviate his own fear of being abandoned.
“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, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Loyalty, Appeasement, Selflessness?, Chapter 1, Page 13)
The Dream of the Rabbits
Tending rabbits on their own piece of land represents the ultimate goal, a safe haven of belonging and responsibility for Lennie.
“I remember about the rabbits, George.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: The Dream, Focus, Motivation, Chapter 1, Page 6)
Even when forgetting instructions, the core element of the dream – the rabbits – remains fixed in Lennie’s mind.
“We could live offa the fatta the lan’.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: The Dream, Hope, Repetition, Self-Sufficiency, Chapter 3, Page 57)
“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, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: The Dream, Excitement, Specificity of Hope, Chapter 1, Page 16)
Lennie’s excited recounting reveals how deeply he has internalized every detail of the dream George has painted for him.
“Let’s have different color rabbits, George.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: The Dream, Childlike Imagination, 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, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Fear of Loss, The Dream as Reward/Punishment, Chapter 2, Page 31)
Lennie understands the dream, specifically tending the rabbits, as contingent on his good behavior, a responsibility he constantly fears failing.
“‘Bout the rabbits.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, explaining Candy’s figuring to Crooks, Theme: The Dream, Centrality, Chapter 4, Page 70)
“We gonna have a house an’ a garden and a place for alfalfa, an’ that alfalfa is for the rabbits, an’ I take a sack and get it all fulla alfalfa and then I take it to the rabbits.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: The Dream, Responsibility, Purpose, Chapter 5, Page 89)
Lennie’s Childlike Nature and Misunderstanding
Lennie’s mental disability shapes his perception of the world, leading to moments of confusion, simple joy, and tragic incomprehension.
“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, (Character: The narrator about Lennie, Theme: Childlikeness, Sensory Experience, Chapter 1, Page 4)
“Snorting into the water like a horse”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: The narrator about Lennie, Theme: Animal Imagery, Lack of Refinement, 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. ”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: The narrator about Lennie, Theme: Imitation, Dependence, Seeking Guidance, Chapter 1, Page 5)
Lennie’s mimicry of George shows his reliance on George for cues on how to behave, like a child imitating a parent.
“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, (Character: The narrator about Lennie, Theme: Animal Imagery, Reluctance, Obedience vs. Desire, Chapter 1, Page 9)
“Lennie choked with pride. ‘I can remember,’ he said.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small, Theme: Desire for Approval, Pride in Small Successes, Chapter 1, Page 17)
“Tell me. Please, George. Like you done before”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Lennie Small to George, Theme: Childlike Need for Repetition, Comfort in Routine, Chapter 1, Pages 14, 15)
Lennie finds comfort and security in the ritualistic retelling of the dream, much like a child enjoys a favorite bedtime story.
“He’s jes’ like kid, ain’t he.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Slim about Lennie, Theme: Observation, Childlikeness, Insight, Chapter 3, Page 43)
Lennie’s Strength: A Blessing and a Curse
Lennie’s immense physical power is often noted, sometimes admired, but ultimately proves uncontrollable and destructive.
“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, (Character: The narrator about Lennie, Theme: Physicality, Animal Imagery, Strength, Chapter 1, Page 4)
The initial description establishes Lennie’s imposing physical presence and links him to the untamed power of nature through animal comparison.
“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, (Characters: The Boss, George Milton, Lennie Small, Theme: Strength, Value as Laborer, Simple Pride, 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, (Character: Slim about Lennie, Theme: Strength, Work Ethic, Reputation, Chapter 3, Page 40)
Even the respected Slim is impressed by Lennie’s raw physical power and capacity for labor, acknowledging his value on the ranch despite his mental limitations.
“Lennie covered his face with huge paws and bleated with terror.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: The narrator about Lennie, Theme: Fear, Vulnerability, Animal Imagery, Strength vs. Emotion, Chapter 3, Page 63)
Despite his size and strength, Lennie reacts to Curley’s attack with childlike terror, highlighting the disconnect between his physical power and emotional maturity.
“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, (Character: Lennie Small and the narrator about Curley’s wife, Theme: Uncontrolled Strength, Accidental Violence, Tragedy, Climax, Chapter 5, Page 91)
Lennie’s Enduring Legacy
Lennie Small embodies the tragic intersection of innocence and power, loyalty and limitation. His simple desires—to pet soft things, to live on the fat of the land with George, to avoid trouble—clash fatally with his inability to comprehend his own strength or the complexities of the world around him.
These quotes reveal the core of his being: a gentle giant whose very nature makes the dream an impossibility and tragedy almost inevitable.
A Note on Page Numbers & Edition (Handle With Care!):
We hauled these quotes from the Penguin Books Mass Market Paperback edition (September 1, 1993), ISBN-13: 978-0140177398.
Please be aware that page numbers, like the mice Lennie loves, can be unexpectedly fragile and change location in different book printings! Always double-check against your copy for essays or citations – you want your points clear, not lost somewhere down the rabbit hole.
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.