Lennie Small, a character in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men, has a deep-seated fear of being alone and not being able to control his own strength, which often leads to tragic consequences. Throughout the story, Lennie is depicted as a physically strong man with a mental disability that makes him dependent on his friend George for guidance and protection.
One of Lennie’s primary fears is the realization that he could inadvertently harm those he cares about. This fear is exacerbated by his lack of understanding of his own power, as seen in the way he accidentally kills small animals or even people when he forgets to be gentle. For instance, when he pets a puppy too hard and it dies, it illustrates his internal struggle and fear of being alone after losing those he loves.
Lennie’s greatest anxiety revolves around the idea of being separated from George. He knows that without George, he would be lost, vulnerable, and at risk of being treated poorly by others. This dependency creates a profound fear of abandonment in Lennie and shows how his strength does not equate to emotional resilience. In fact, he often dreams of a future where he and George own a farm, reflecting his desire for a stable home and companionship.
In conclusion, Lennie’s fear in Of Mice and Men encapsulates his struggle with loneliness, inadequacy, and the realization of his own potential for harm, all of which ultimately contribute to the tragic events in the narrative.