Comparisons with Lennie

Several times throughout Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck compares Lennie to a child. Many of Lennie's behaviors are childlike including his constant forgetfulness and his constant want to feel soft things like rabbits and fabrics. ''Slim had not moved. His calm eyes followed Lennie out the door. 'Jesus,' he said. 'He's 'jes like a kid ain't he" (43). I think that this is a great description of Lennie because his behaviors are childlike and he still retains childlike innocence. He often even has to be scolded like a child would be scolded. "George said,' You get right up 'an take this pup back to the nest. He's gotta sleep with his mother. You want to kill him? Just born last night an' you take him out of the nest. You take him back or I'll tell Slim not to let you have him.' Lennie held out his hand pleadingly. 'Give 'um to me, George. I'll take 'um back. i didn't mean no harm, george. honest I didn't. I jus' wanted to pet 'um a little"' (42 - 43) Lennie begs for his puppy back like a child who has just had a toy taken away. Not only is Lennie like a child, George is basically his parent figure. George is the one always trying to keep him out of trouble, and he's helping Lennie learn about the world, like a dad would teach his son.