1. Of Mice and Men Innocence Quotes
LENNIE "Tha’s good," he said. "You drink some, George. You take a good big drink." He smiled
happily. (1.7)
These are Lennie’s first words in the novella. He’s just submerged his whole head, hat and all,
in a pool for a drink. He takes pure pleasure in the drink, and wants to share that pleasure with
his friend George. There’s something simple and sweet about the episode. Lennie couldn’t care
less about hygiene or etiquette. Like an innocent child unschooled in the manners of civilization,
he’s just had a delight, and his first, simple thought, is to share it with his friend. This innocence
will not only characterize Lennie’s actions, but it’s also an insight into the way Lennie thinks of
his friendship with George – simple and pure.
NARRATION. George looked sharply at him. "What’d you take outa ... know there ain’t.
You got it in your hand…" (1.25-27)
Lennie is like a child in his thinking. The game he plays here with George is the classic "If I have
my hand over my eyes, no one can see me," thing. This kind of sleight of hand is the unique
stuff of childish thinking.
Lennie cried out suddenly—"I don’ like this place, George. This ain’t no good place. I wanna get
outa here." (2.165)
Lennie’s outburst is in response to George’s tirade that Curley’s wife is a no-good tramp. After
Lennie observed and declared "She’s purty," George has called her a "rat trap," "jail bait," and a
"bitch," and all but promises Lennie she’ll be their downfall if he doesn’t stay away from her. At
this moment, Lennie is the picture of innocence before temptation, and odds are stacked
against him.
Slim sat in silence for a moment. "Didn’t hurt the ... can tell a mean guy from a mile off."
(3.28-30)
George highlights Lennie’s childlike innocence here – he can’t fathom the consequences of his
actions, so he simply pursues what he wants. Fortunately, his desires (petting soft things) are
sweet and harmless. Knowing this, Slim seems to come around to George’s opinion that Lennie
can’t really be guilty because he never means the harm he inevitably causes. Lennie is simply
an innocent caught in a world of complexity that he doesn’t quite understand.
Slim had not moved. His calm eyes followed Lennie out ... him than a kid neither, except
he’s so strong." (3.44-45)
This is particularly poignant: George makes an exception of Lennie’s strength, and Lennie’s
strength will be both of their undoing. Intentions don’t matter; Lennie’s innocence won’t be
enough to protect him.

2. Title
First description
Childlike Innocence
Strength
Forgetfulness
Animal imagery
Relationship with George
How do the above make us respond to Lennie?
How accountable do we hold him for his actions?