Want a deeper understanding of Lennie Small quotes from Of Mice and Men?
Lennie Small was one of the most interesting characters in John Steinbeck’s novel, “Of Mice and Men.” Although mentally handicapped, Lennie had a child-like innocence about him that made him lovable. But he also had a scary dark side that he couldn’t control.
In honor of Lennie, here are 15 of the best Lennie Small quotes and page numbers from “Of Mice and Men”:
50 Of Mice And Men Quotes With Page Numbers
What is Of Mice and Men about?
John Steinbeck’s classic novel Of Mice and Men follows George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers, as they search for a better life during the Great Depression.
Despite racism and prejudice, their friendship remains strong as they attempt to survive on meager wages and achieve their dream of owning a farm.
The novel reflects the struggles of migrants and examines themes of friendship, courage, and hope despite an unexpected tragedy.
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.
What are the 15 best Lennie Small quotes from Of Mice and Men?
Lennie Small is a character in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men novel. 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 in which they have a place of their own, and can rely on their garden and their livestock for sustenance.
Through the sale of eggs, milk, and other produce, they can then supplement their income. 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, Page 11
In this quote, Lennie expresses his anticipation over getting rabbits for their farm, an ongoing dream of his and George’s. 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, 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, 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, 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 the strong bond that Lennie and George share and demonstrates the faithfulness of Lennie’s character.
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, 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 and have a purpose in life and the 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.
11. “I don’t want to hurt you,”
“I don’t want to hurt you,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, 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 serves as a powerful reminder that, while his actions can have severe consequences, Lennie is not a malicious person. 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, 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, to 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, 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, 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, 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, Page 11
Lennie Small symbolizes innocence, strength, and childlike joy in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men novel. 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 the innocence of childhood 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.”
“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”
“Tried and tried,” said Lennie, “but it didn’t do no good. I remember about the rabbits, George.”
“I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon, George. They ain’t so little.”
“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.”
“Let’s have different color rabbits, George.”
“If I get in any trouble, you ain’t gonna let me tend the rabbits.”
George Milton Quotes
“You never oughta drink water when it ain’t runnin’.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton, Chapter 1, Page 3
“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, George Milton, Chapter 1, Page 7
“Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton, Chapter 1, Pages 13, 14
“With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton, Chapter 1, Page 14
“we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton, Chapter 1, Page 14
FAQs
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,”
“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why,”
“We could live offa the fatta the lan’,”
“It ain’t no lie. We’re gonna do it. Gonna get a little place an’ live on the fatta the lan’,”
“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.”
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.”
“Lennie covered his face with huge paws and bleated with terror.” Chapter 3, pg. 63.
“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.
Page 11
“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.” P
age 40
“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.
Page 91
What is the famous quote from Of Mice and Men?
The famous quote from Of Mice and Men is, “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to”.
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.'” (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,”
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 quotes show Lennie is lonely?
“I like bein’ with you. You make me feel good.”
“I wisht I had a home so I could take you with me.”
“An’ I got you. We got each other, that’s what, that gives a hoot in
hell about us,” Lennie cried in triumph.(Page 104)
These quotes also compare and contrast Lennie’s situation to that of other ranch workers, who are also lonely but do not have the companionship of a friend like George.
Is Lennie autistic?
No, Lennie is not autistic. While Lennie exhibits many behaviors associated with autism, such as social awkwardness and difficulty understanding complex concepts, his behavior is more likely indicative of an intellectual disability.
Throughout the novella, Lennie’s difficulty in understanding basic instructions, inability to make his own decisions, and childish attitude suggest that he has an intellectual disability rather than autism.
What is Lennie a symbol of?
Lennie Small symbolizes innocence, strength, and childlike joy in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men novel. 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 the innocence of childhood 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 have a fixation 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.
What does Lennie look like?
Lennie is described as a huge man with a shapeless face, large, pale eyes, and wide, sloping shoulders. He walks heavily, dragging his feet like a bear drags his paws, and his arms hang loosely by his sides. George, a small, quick, dark-faced man with restless eyes and sharp, strong features, is Lennie’s opposite.
Quotes about Lennie’s strength
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.”
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.
George scowled at him, and Lennie dropped his head in shame at having forgotten.
– John Steinbeck
“O.K., said George. An’ you ain’t gonna do no bad things like you done in Weed, neither.” (Lennie’s strength: Self-control)
Quotes that show Lennie is childish
“He’s jes’ like a kid” (Slim’s comment on Lennie).
“He [Lennie] imitated George exactly” (Lennie doesn’t think for himself).
“I can go away” (Lennie has learned to manipulate George).
“Tell me. Please, George. Like you done before” (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” (Chapter 1, pg. 9).
“He [Lennie] dabbled his big paw in the water” (Lennie plays with the water).
“He [Lennie] walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws” (Lennie’s walk is animalistic).
“Snorting into the water like a horse” (The way Lennie drinks is animalistic).
George and Lennie quotes
“O.K.,” said George. “An’ you ain’t gonna do no bad things like you done in Weed, neither.” (George)
“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.” (George)
“It ain’t so funny, him an’ me goin’ aroun’ together,” George said at last. (George)
“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.” (Lennie)
“We could live offa the fatta the lan’.” (Lennie)
“It ain’t no lie. We’re gonna do it. Gonna get a little place an’ live on the fatta the lan’.” (Lennie)
“Lennie, who had been watching, imitated George exactly.” (Lennie)
“I was only foolin’, George. I don’t want no ketchup. I wouldn’t eat no ketchup if it was right here beside me.” (Lennie)
“Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes.” (Lennie)
“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.'” (George)
“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…” (George)
“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.” (Lennie)
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!”
Page 11
“He ain’t no cuckoo,” said George. “He’s dumb as hell, but he ain’t
crazy.”(George) page 40
“I done another bad thing,” Lennie said softly. “I forgettin’ things alla time.” (John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, p. 24)
“He ain’t bright,” George said curtly. “Jus’ like a kid.” (John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, p. 20)
“He can understand all right,” George said. “But he’s a little screwy. He got a kinda struggle in him between two things.” (John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, p. 18)
These quotes demonstrate Lennie’s struggle with his intellectual disability and his need for companionship and purpose.
Conclusion
Lennie Small is an essential character in Of Mice and Men. He may be misunderstood, but he’s also strong and persevering. These 15 Lennie Small quotes will help you better understand the character and why he matters in the book.
Sources Cited