Loving Lennie…
I wanted to write a post today about the many ways we interpret the world around us. I warn you, this post will be scholarly, and by “scholarly” I mean, I’m gonna pull up some of the stuff I learned in college. Not really.
Hopefully, my readers are familiar with John Steinbeck’s novel, “Of Mice and Men.” If you’re not, or if you need a refresher, here’s a VERY brief and pathetic synopsis which can’t come close to the actual story but will satisfy my purposes.
Two migrant field workers in California on their plantation during the Great Depression—George Milton, an intelligent but uneducated man, and Lennie Small, a man of large stature and great strength but limited mental abilities—are on their way to another part of California in Soledad. They hope to one day attain their shared dream of settling down on their own piece of land. Lennie’s part of the dream is merely to tend to (and touch) soft rabbits on the farm. This dream is one of Lennie’s favorite stories, which George constantly retells. They are fleeing from their previous employment in Weed, California, where they were run out of town after Lennie’s love of stroking soft things resulted in an accusation of attempted rape when he touched a young woman’s dress, and would not let go. It soon becomes clear that the two are close friends and George is Lennie’s protector. The theme of friendship is constant throughout the story.
The two men find temporary work on a ranch but things turn bad when Lennie accidentally kills the boss’s son’s wife, while stroking her hair. George, knowing that the outcome for Lennie will be a painful death at the hands of a lynch mob, kills his friend by shooting him in the back of the head.
This story is incredibly powerful. Steinbeck might be my favorite author of all time. Each time I read it I feel George’s anguish. He chooses to end his friend’s life in an effort to avoid having him suffer an awful death. Would I have done the same thing? Even though George was breaking the law by taking matters into his own hands and committing a murder, he was acting, I believe, from a higher principle. He knew who Lennie was and what he was capable of. He knew that Curley’s wife’s death was accidental. His motive in killing Lennie was to prevent his friend from suffering. His act, therefore, was merciful and loving.
Some people don’t see it that way. I’ve known people to interpret this story in quite a different way. I’ve heard people exclaim that George’s actions were wrong because he broke the law and killed a man. Though he did in fact do this, this interpretation doesn’t take into consideration who Lennie was, or George’s motives. This interpretation of George’s actions does not reflect the highest level of moral motivation according to Lawrence Kohlberg’s, *Six Stages of Moral Development. (Maybe I’ll do a post on this next? I know it would bring you a great deal of joy. haha!)
This is not about a right or wrong answer. Not at all. During our lifetime we hopefully progress up the ladder of moral development. We need to be sensitive to the fact that we are at different stages based on our life’s experiences. I think it’s important to examine your own moral development and stir that pot a little. Plato said, “The unexamined life is not worth living” and I couldn’t agree more. What are you motivated by? (fear, punishment, reward, social acceptance and approval, laws and an understanding of how we keep order, being a contributing member of society, or, the pure love of humanity and the desire to answer to a higher authority?)
“In every bit of honest writing in the world there is a base theme. Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love. There are shorter means, many of them. There is writing promoting social change, writing punishing injustice, writing in celebration of heroism, but always that base theme. Try to understand each other.”
John Steinbeck in his 1938 journal entry
This book was on a list of books out of which we had to pick one to read.
I didn’t pick it, but I’m certainly going to search for it in our library…
It’s a great story with really insightful characters. I think John Steinbeck understands the human psyche /condition better than any writer I’ve read, except maybe Shakespeare. Of Mice and Men has lots of layers – great for thinking about afterward.
I like your reflection on the subject of John Steinbeck’s book. I haven’t read this. I’m glad you mention it because now I will. Sounds like a good springboard for moral debate.
John Steinbeck is one of the few authors that really understands the human psyche. His character’s ring true psychologically, which is so important to me. There’s nothing worse than watching a movie or reading a book and thinking the whole time, “Gee, these characters are unnatural,” or “That person wouldn’t do that.”
I love a story that makes you think really long and hard about moral questions.
It’s super short, so it’s a quick read.
Also, it was banned from schools because of it’s language and racial portrayals. I think it’s pretty genius.
This was a beautifully written post! I wonder what inspired it? 😉 This is definitely one of my favorite stories. I like it because it’s nice and short as well. Like the perfect book. Flawless in every way. I love that Lennie just likes to pet the rabbits. And I think my favorite part of the book is when George is comforting him before he shoots him. I forget what exactly he tells him, but it’s so comforting and kind.
I love Lennie. He’s a kind friend. A gentle giant.
Lisa, you’re exploring the classics! Love that. Although I don’t think I’ve read this one, but I will now because of your review. We that “think” of ourselves as writers should always revisit, review and remember the classics. Thank you!
I’ve always loved this book. Steinbeck might be my favorite author because he really understands people. Give it a read, if you have time. It’s very short but it will stick with you.
This is one of the books/movies that makes me weep when I read/watch it, every single time, even though I know how it’ll end. The first time, I was in the library, finishing it up for my class, and I just about howled.
I always saw George as a savior of sorts, showing his understanding of Lenny, his acceptance of his place in Lenny’s world, his responsibility for his friend. He was the person that Lenny turned to that made the universe make sense, so, he was the most important thing to Lenny. I’m not going to use the word ‘god’, however, I almost see him in that sense in the limited existence that was Lenny. Am I making sense here? George filled Lenny’s needs as the all knowing and accepted Lenny’s love and devotion in that role.
Steinbeck. *happy reader sigh*
You’re making complete sense. That’s how I saw George, too. Very sacrificing, compassionate and knowing. His motives are Christ-like in that he wants to spare Lennie pain and suffering. He’s merciful. He also loves Lennie’s heart and is not put off by his mental challenges. He sees the heart and soul of a man. I think Steinbeck was probably like George.
To say I love John Steinbeck would be an understatement.
Of course, it’d help if I spelled Lennie the same way Steinbeck did–call me a maverick.
hahah!
This book made me so sad. I read it in high school and I think I must have blocked it out. This is a great post. I will read Of Mice and Men again just because of you!
That’s great, Maggie. Yeah, I was never able to shake this story. It was sad. I think it’s interesting that two people could read the same story and feel so differently about the outcome. I have to assume it’s because we’re at different places on our life journey – we see things differently.
Certainly one of my all time favorites. There is a higher calling that we must answer. However, we must be sure of the voice that issues that calling. The knowing, not the doing, is often the difficult part. Thanks for making me think. All joy today. HF
Yes, indeed. Well said. It is the knowing that creates internal tension in our lives. What George did, in my mind, was merciful and loving. It never occurred to me that it could be interpreted any other way.
Yes, but how do we know that is what Lennie wanted? It is an awesome, awesome responsibility to assume that we know what is best for another. Sure, George spared him suffering, but did he also take away some moments of joy that perhaps Lennie needed to move into the great darkness. It’s just not black and white. All choices have consequences and most have unforseen consequences. It’s a great story by a great writer and the proof is we are still discussing it today. HF
I wrote a beautiful lengthy response and it somehow vanished. Argh! I hate that!
It’s a story that I’ve never been able to shake — probably because of the moral dilemma. Lennie was surely going to die inhumanely if George hadn’t taken his life. I don’t think George could have suffered through that knowing that he could have eased his friend’s suffering. I don’t think that Lennie, with his child-like functioning, could have added to or subtracted from his simple understanding of the world. He was an innocent. I think George factored that into his decision. It was a mercy killing.
I think we may get a glimpse of who Steinbeck was through George’s character. I don’t think you can write characters so perceptively and intuitively unless you are a man of great sensitivity.
Hey, how come my comment is awaiting moderation? Are you screening me, woman! HF
I wasn’t sure if you were Riffraff. Just Kidding! I have no clue as to why it’s doing that. I’ll get on it right away.
I think your synopsis is wonderful Lisa. Oh how I loved this book and how I loved the movies especially the newer one with Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. It’s the kind of book that can ignite a life long love of books. Lennie is a gentle giant. My horse reminds me of Lennie. A heart of gold but deceivingly dangerous.
I feel like I’ve been neglecting my own moral development of late. (It’s not as bad as that sounds ha!). What I mean is I used to read inspirational books every morning before I started my blog and now I spend my mornings writing my blog. And while I love writing and love blogging, It does take up an enormous amount of time. In the back of my mind I’ve been thinking I need to re-prioritize my time a little — maybe I’ll start by re-reading Mice and Men.
Oh and it’s available as a free online book all over the internet. Here’s a link to a free PDF of Of Mice and Men.
Click to access ofmiceandmen-LitChart.pdf
Oh, that’s great, Linda! I didn’t know it was available like that. I love John Steinbeck. He was such a masterful story teller and his characters were spot on. Of Mice and Men was always a story I couldn’t shake – it really stuck with me.
I totally relate to what you’re saying about the need to re-prioritize. Ever since I got my iPad and started blogging I haven’t been able to read my usual soul satisfying books or take any long walks. I feel like I spend all day in the blog world. Too bad for me it’s not a calorie burner! haha!
Seriously though, I need to find some balance. I wonder how people like Guapo manage to have a life with all those blogging friends?!
God bless his little, “Life of the party” soul!
Oh that El Guapo is the best! I just think the world of him. (I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he’s the most popular guy on WordPress!) But I wonder how he finds the time? Oh wouldn’t it be wonderful if blogging was a fat burner!
Yes a balance! That’s what I need. My life is definitely fuller and richer since I’ve been blogging, but the downside is I feel guilty if I haven’t kept up on my reading and commenting. It isn’t work, but then it is somehow. I would love to read some posts on how other bloggers keep up and have a life away from the computer as well. If such a thing exists! 😀
I think we’d probably be surprised to find out that actually none of us has a life!!! haha!
This was one of the few books in high school I actually kinda-sorta-liked. I want to say whoever thought this book was so simple that it was simply about a man breaking the law probably has the same mindsight as Lennie, simple.
In the same situation in today’s world I probably wouldn’t kill a friend, but would certainly set up a distraction to help him get free. Back then though I guess maybe things would have been different. I’m not quite sure if under any circumstances I could let someone die other than them being in a coma and knowing it was their wish.
It’s a hard question to ask yourself. If I hit a deer in the road and it was still alive but suffering, I wouldn’t drive away. I’d try and think of something to put it out of it’s misery, even though it would be difficult. I think the higher principle kicks in when we put the well being of other people ahead of our own needs. If you’re motivated by compassion and reverence for life, I have to believe that God is okay with that, even if it means breaking a man made law.
I know what you mean though, about the time difference — it was a little more like the wild west back then. You could probably dodge the law. Again, do we take action or do we avoid out of fear and consequences? Lots of heavy questions.
Dear Grippy–
you are amazing. and I thank you for closing out my evening with a wonderfully thought provoking– scholarly–read. Seriously.. I loved this.
Audra
Thanks Lovely Audra. : )
First my friend, I have never read any Steinbeck but have so wanted to. Not sure why I have not but your beautiful post has made me put this book on my “library list”. i can’t wait to read it and I’ll come back to discuss with you, okay?
I would love that, Lynn!
I think you’ll really love Steinbeck because he’s a great story teller and his characters are spot on. This particular story has always stuck with me.
“East of Eden” is another one that I’d recommend.
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever read it. I’ve obviously seen satires on it in shows or Looney Toones from back in the day, but I never realized the moral twist between the two men. Thanks for the head’s up!
I think you’d really love this story. I guess at one time it was banned for language and it’s racial portrayal. Steinbeck is the master of writing characters that ring true. This little story packs a punch and will stay with you.
Steinbeck can depress me like no other – while he is not my favorite depressing author (I have to save that for George Orwell) – I appreciate his writing abilities. I have a few friends that love his works like you do.
What motivates me? Good question….my ethics – my thoughts – others around me.
I love the comment you made about it not being a right or wrong answer. So many things are not black and white – but where do you draw the line? How do you weigh your own internal ethics against society’s rules? It sort of reminds me of the question of assisted sucide for someone suffering – so many things are not going to fit in the perfect square box we want to shove them into and forget.
I think he understands the human psyche because his characters always ring true from a psychological point of view. He’s spot on.
As far as motivation goes… What are your ethics? What are your thoughts? In what way do people around you motivate you? You don’t seem like a gal that needs approval! haha! What does your heart tell you to do?
Kohlberg sets up a moral dilemma about a guy who needs medication/treatment for his wife. She’ll die if she doesn’t get it, but it’s too expensive and he can’t afford it. Should he steal the medicine?
It always amazes me how people respond to moral dilemmas because we just assume everyone thinks and feels the way we do. I’m sure there are lots of people who would not steal the medication because it’s against the law and they’re afraid of punishment. Some people would consider that to be the right and ethical thing to do.
You have to dig deep and pull back the layers to see what’s at the root of your choice.
That first stage, fear, is primitive and child-like. Reward is equally primitive and yet there are a lot of adults walking around who have never progressed past this point.
I just find it fascinating, can you tell? haha!
You raise some very good points. Personally, I feel like assisted suicide, for someone who is in excruciating pain, is probably okay. I don’t know? It can also become a religious/philosophical question. Is there perhaps a reason that we must suffer here in mortality, that God in his wisdom understands, but we don’t?
Ironically, I do crave approval – My favorite saying “Validate my parking and tell me I’m good”… I’m totally that person even if I seem different.
your post reminded me of the Meyers Brigg Personality idicators – ENTJ people are very black and white (not me surprisingly) and would definitely NOT steal the meds and would most likely want the stealer arrested –
I find social attitudes very interesting and I’m intriuged by group behavior vs individual behavior.
I’m agnostic so I don’t have a religious pull – which is why I use ethics not morals.
What are my ethics? Try to be the person I’d be proud to know. Weigh situations based on the circumstances and not on rigid ideology.
I am also driven by a little fear and paranoia 🙂
You can’t go wrong with Steinbeck.
I really think that he was a master of story telling.
Lisa – love this book and your post. This was one of the novels I taught to my eighth grade students. It is one of my all time favorites. It was definitely one of their favorites, as well. (Probably partly because it was short – as Lily said) I could discuss this for hours with you.
You know me- my whole life is different shades of grey- and I feel like every situation is completely unique. I think what George did for Lennie was an act of kindness. He knew they couldn’t run away from this and that he would have suffered immensely, so he did the only thing he could have done. Steinbeck does a great job of foreshadowing and contrasting this with Candy not being able to put his old dog out of his misery. Candy couldn’t do it because it was too difficult for him. It was just as difficult for George, but he put Lennie’s needs above his own. I look at this as a selfless act, but I’m not sure I could do the same.
That’s it exactly. I see George as acting in a very Christ-like way. I think that Lennie’s simple nature was even more reason for George do what he did. He knew Lennie’s heart and couldn’t let him suffer at the hands of those men. I just think this story is so stirring. It’s always stayed with me. Of course I like to believe that I would have acted as George did but, you never know?
I also loved this book and the subsequent movie with Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. Thanks for reminding me about it. It’s probably good to read people who’ve won the Nobel Prize for literature, although this is the only one of his works I’ve read… I might just have to remedy that. Great post 🙂
Thanks! Yeah, the movie was great, too, I agree.
I think you’d love East of Eden. If you get a chance, read that. It’s brilliant.