What do we learn about each of the main characters and the relationships and power dynamics that exists between them in the opening chapter?
What do we learn about each of the main characters and the relationships and power dynamics that exist between them in the opening chapter?
Throughout the opening chapter of the novella, Steinbeck introduces George and Lennie. Both characters are portrayed in opposite ways through their physical appearance and mentality, which is developed further through the novella.
Steinbeck portrays Lennie as a very simple minded character who doesn’t know how to control his actions. When Steinbeck introduces Lennie he describes him as ‘a huge man’, this suggest that he is large in weight and height. The word ‘huge’ suggests he’s abnormally tall compared to average height. Lennie is said to have ‘walked heavily’ this shows that he’s walking slowly like he can’t be bothered. It also suggests that where he’s going doesn’t interest him, and that he is only going because he has to. ‘Heavily’ shows that he hasn’t got proper posture, it suggests that his shoulders are curled inwards, giving the sense that he is sad or tired. It also shows that the way he moves is un-elegant. Steinbeck refers to Lennie as an animal and states that he drags his hands ‘the way a bear drags his paws’. Bears are perceived as dangerous animals, which have immense strength. However, bears can come across as cute, simple and calm, but in defence they will turn and will hurt/kill anyone due to them panicking. This foreshadows what is to happen further on in the book. Furthermore bears are one of the largest mammals on land which relates to Lennie being ‘huge’. Lennie is again referred to as an animal when they come to the river. ‘Snorting into the water like a horse’ this suggests that Lennie isn’t apprehensive about any of his actions and he doesn’t think about the consequences of them either. ‘Snorting’ suggest that he is drinking the water without hesitation and breath.
Steinbeck has made a distinctive contrast between the two characters, and when he introduces George, it is apparent that George is the
Throughout the opening chapter of the novella, Steinbeck introduces George and Lennie. Both characters are portrayed in opposite ways through their physical appearance and mentality, which is developed further through the novella.
Steinbeck portrays Lennie as a very simple minded character who doesn’t know how to control his actions. When Steinbeck introduces Lennie he describes him as ‘a huge man’, this suggest that he is large in weight and height. The word ‘huge’ suggests he’s abnormally tall compared to average height. Lennie is said to have ‘walked heavily’ this shows that he’s walking slowly like he can’t be bothered. It also suggests that where he’s going doesn’t interest him, and that he is only going because he has to. ‘Heavily’ shows that he hasn’t got proper posture, it suggests that his shoulders are curled inwards, giving the sense that he is sad or tired. It also shows that the way he moves is un-elegant. Steinbeck refers to Lennie as an animal and states that he drags his hands ‘the way a bear drags his paws’. Bears are perceived as dangerous animals, which have immense strength. However, bears can come across as cute, simple and calm, but in defence they will turn and will hurt/kill anyone due to them panicking. This foreshadows what is to happen further on in the book. Furthermore bears are one of the largest mammals on land which relates to Lennie being ‘huge’. Lennie is again referred to as an animal when they come to the river. ‘Snorting into the water like a horse’ this suggests that Lennie isn’t apprehensive about any of his actions and he doesn’t think about the consequences of them either. ‘Snorting’ suggest that he is drinking the water without hesitation and breath.
Steinbeck has made a distinctive contrast between the two characters, and when he introduces George, it is apparent that George is the