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2 memorable characters created by john steinbeck

2 memorable characters created by john steinbeck

3 min read 19-12-2024
2 memorable characters created by john steinbeck

John Steinbeck, a Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, gifted the world with a gallery of unforgettable characters. His powerful storytelling brought to life individuals grappling with poverty, social injustice, and the human condition. While many of his creations resonate deeply, two stand out for their complexity and lasting impact: Lennie Small from Of Mice and Men and Candy from Of Mice and Men.

Lennie Small: The Gentle Giant

Lennie Small, from Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men, is a character of profound paradox. He is physically imposing, a large man with immense strength. Yet, he possesses the mind of a child, innocent and easily manipulated. His childlike innocence makes him simultaneously endearing and terrifying.

Lennie's intellectual disability makes him dependent on George, his friend and caretaker. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the novella. While George often resents the burden of responsibility, his loyalty to Lennie is unwavering. Lennie’s simple desires—to tend rabbits, to stroke soft fur—highlight the poignancy of his limited understanding of the world. This contrast between his physical power and mental fragility creates a character of both immense sympathy and heartbreaking tragedy.

His unintentional violence, stemming from his lack of self-control, is a constant source of tension. Lennie's actions ultimately lead to the devastating climax. His demise serves as a powerful commentary on societal treatment of the vulnerable and the harsh realities of the Depression era.

The Power of Vulnerability: Why Lennie Resonates

Lennie’s vulnerability is what makes him unforgettable. He embodies a kind of pure, childlike goodness that is tragically juxtaposed with his destructive potential. His dependence on George highlights themes of friendship, loyalty, and the inescapable burdens of human connection. Readers are left to grapple with their own feelings about the character, to ponder the nature of responsibility, and the complexities of compassion in a harsh world.

Candy: The Aging Ranch Hand

Candy, another character from Of Mice and Men, embodies a different kind of vulnerability. He is an aging ranch hand, physically diminished and facing an uncertain future. He’s a victim of the harsh realities of capitalist America, where age and physical decline are immediate liabilities.

Candy’s greatest fear is being discarded, becoming a burden to those around him. His beloved dog, a symbol of his own fading vitality, is cruelly euthanized by Carlson. This scene foreshadows Candy's own impending fate, reinforcing the theme of disposability that pervades the novella. His loneliness and fear are palpable, making him a sympathetic figure. His attachment to the dream of owning a small farm serves as a hopeful counterpoint to the bleakness surrounding him.

A Shared Dream: Hope Amidst Despair

Despite his age and physical limitations, Candy clings to the dream of owning a small farm, sharing it with George and Lennie. His contribution of his savings to this dream is crucial, demonstrating his desperate longing for a secure and peaceful future. This shared dream provides a brief flicker of hope in the midst of despair. Candy's presence, though secondary to Lennie and George, powerfully illuminates the desperation and resilience of the downtrodden in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: Steinbeck's Enduring Legacy

Both Lennie and Candy are unforgettable because they represent the vulnerable and marginalized in Steinbeck's society. Their complexities, their vulnerabilities, and their unwavering hope—even in the face of despair—have cemented their place in literary history. They are not just characters in a story; they are symbols of humanity’s capacity for both kindness and destruction, vulnerability and resilience. Steinbeck's ability to craft such compelling characters is a testament to his enduring power as a storyteller. Their struggles continue to resonate with readers long after they finish the book, making them truly memorable characters.

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