This document provides several key quotes from John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men" that characterize the relationship between George and Lennie. The quotes describe their initial meeting and physical appearances, with Lennie being compared to a bear and displaying childlike mannerisms. They demonstrate George's protective nature over Lennie and efforts to teach him, as well as the burden their friendship creates for George.

1. Quotations
and their significance
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

2. page 2
"In front of the low • Why did the author
horizontal limb of a include this line
giant sycamore about the setting?
there is an ash pile • What mood does the
made by many fires; author give you
the limb is worn when describing the
smooth by men who scene before the two
have sat there." men come into it?

3. page 2 • Characterization of
the the look of them.
• First that we see of them
sounds like they are
"The first man was
similar b/c wearing
small and quick... same clothing..
restless eyes... • George is the smaller
Behind him walked one but the leader.
his • The detail at which the
opposite...shapeless author describes their
faces sets up their
of f
f face... the way a
h personalities.
bear drags his • Comparing the bigger
paws.
paws " man, Lennie to a bear.

4. page 3 • Again, using animal
imagery to show
Lennie's
personality and
intelligence.
"Lennie dabbled his
big paw in the water • His dialogue also
and wiggled his reveals his
fingers... 'Look what simplicity of mind.
p y
Iddone.'"
'"
• Characterization

5. page 4
Aping is another word
for imitating We
imitating.
once again see Lennie
as a big animal that
has simple
"Lennie, who had intelligence and relies
been watching him, heavily on George
imitated George." from whom he must
take hi
t k his social and
i l d
living cues.
Characterizes
Lennie.

6. page 6
Demonstrates George's
protection of Lennie,
his cunning, and
'If he finds out what a Lennie's ability to
crazy bastard you work hard and be of
are, we won't get no value.
jobs, but if he sees Characterizes their
ya work before he relationship and
hears ya talk, we're
h lk ' George s
George's view of
set.' Lennie's value. He
wants the best for
Lennie and himself.

7. page 7
Characterizes their
"'God your're a lot of relationship - Lennie
trouble,' said makes life hard for
George. 'I could get George. George i
G G is
constantly dreaming
a long so easy and
of what life could be
so nice if I didn't
like if he didn't have
have you on my tail. Lennie around. Is
I could live so easy
ld li their friendship built
and maybe have a on obligation?
girl.
girl '" Possible
ibl
foreshadowing.

8. page 8
"In a moment Lennie Shows how well George
came crashing back knows Lennie and pays
through the brush. attention to him in order
to keep him safe, look out
He carried one for him, and teach him
small willow stick in lessons. George is quick-
his hand. George sat witted and continually
up. 'A i h ' h
'Awright,' he aware ho
a are of how Lennie's
personality affects his
said brusquely. actions.
'Gi'me that mouse!'"
Gi me mouse! Characterization