Table of ContentsIntroductionBodyConclusionBibliographyIntroductionFrom the first pages of John Steinbeck's classic novel Of Mice and Men, it becomes clear that Lennie Small, one of the main characters, is not the sharpest tool of the hangar. His limited intellectual abilities are reflected in his speeches and actions, which often lead to disastrous consequences. In this essay, we will explore some of Lennie's unintelligent quotes and their implications, shedding light on the character's mental limitations. Through careful analysis of these quotes, we will demonstrate that Lennie's lack of intelligence serves as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold in the story, ultimately highlighting the harsh realities faced by people with cognitive disabilities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Body One of the main indicators of Lennie's unintelligence is his childish speech. Throughout the novel, Lennie is portrayed as someone who has difficulty expressing himself coherently. For example, when George warns him not to drink water from a potentially contaminated swimming pool, Lennie responds, "I won't drink bad water." I’m going to have a drink” (Steinbeck, 7 years old). Here, Lennie's use of a double negative and his inability to construct a grammatically correct sentence highlight his limited linguistic abilities. This childish speech pattern not only highlights Lennie's lack of intelligence, but also evokes sympathy from the reader, emphasizing the vulnerability of people with cognitive disabilities. Lennie's lack of intelligence becomes even more evident in his many misunderstandings throughout the novel. Their inability to grasp complex concepts often leads to disastrous consequences. For example, when George recounts their dream of owning land, Lennie expresses his desire to take care of rabbits by saying, "I could pet them and they wouldn't bite me" (Steinbeck, 14). This statement reveals Lennie's inability to understand the harsh realities of the world. While his innocent aspirations are endearing, they also highlight his limited cognitive abilities and his inability to understand the consequences of his actions. Another aspect of Lennie's unintelligent speech is his repetitive use of certain phrases. Lennie often relies on colloquial phrases to express himself, which further highlights his limited vocabulary and intellectual abilities. For example, when George scolds him for his behavior, Lennie responds with his signature phrase: “I forgot” (Steinbeck, age 9). This repetitive use of "I forgot" highlights Lennie's inability to retain information and highlights his reliance on George for advice. It's also a reminder of the challenges faced by people with cognitive disabilities, who may have difficulty with memory and information processing. Beyond his speech, Lennie's actions also demonstrate his lack of intelligence. His childish curiosity and inability to understand the consequences of his strength often lead to tragic consequences. One such example is when Lennie accidentally kills a puppy by petting it too roughly. Distraught, Lennie exclaims: "Why do you have to get killed? You're not as small as a mouse. I didn't bounce you hard" (Steinbeck, 85). This quote highlights Lennie's inability to understand his own strength and the fragility of living beings. His actions, motivated by his limited cognitive abilities,,, 1993.