John Steinbeck himself remarked that Lennie was not meant to represent "insanity at all but the inarticulate and powerful yearning of all men." This character, then, highlights the loneliness and frustration of the disenfranchised men during the Great Depression of the 1930's.
That he represents a powerful yearning is certainly exemplified in Lennie who constantly wants things whether they be ketchup, a puppy, or a farm with rabbits. He is unhappy with the new location...
John Steinbeck himself remarked that Lennie was not meant to represent "insanity at all but the inarticulate and powerful yearning of all men." This character, then, highlights the loneliness and frustration of the disenfranchised men during the Great Depression of the 1930's.
That he represents a powerful yearning is certainly exemplified in Lennie who constantly wants things whether they be ketchup, a puppy, or a farm with rabbits. He is unhappy with the new location of their job on a ranch after Curley's wife comes into the bunkhouse, especially when George scolds him for looking at her legs.
It seems that Lennie is very vulnerable and must be always on his guard and is worried about George getting angry with him. He feels insecure often, saying things such as "If you don't want me, you only jus' got to say so, and I'll go off in those hills...." Lennie longs for comforting words, and he just wants something to love. But, most of all he relishes hearing George recite their dream because it is hope for something permanent, a real home.
Thus the character of Lennie highlights the longing of the many men of the 1930's who were dispossessed and vulnerable and had to travel throughout the country in search of work, migrating from one job to another, without friends or loved-ones. He has only a dream, just as many in the Great Depression had but a vague hope of a better life; yet, they had to cling to it to keep themselves going.
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