The Infamous Pocket Item and George's Frustration
For anyone who has read John Steinbeck's timeless novella, Of Mice and Men, or seen one of its many adaptations, the question of what Lennie Small pulls out of his pocket that earns him a sharp reprimand from George Milton is a recurring and significant one. It's not just a minor detail; it’s a pivotal moment that highlights the core of their dynamic and the inherent challenges of their itinerant lifestyle.
The Object: A Dead Mouse
The item that Lennie consistently, and to George’s growing exasperation, takes out of his pocket is a dead mouse. This isn't a one-time occurrence; it’s a recurring habit that drives George to his wit's end. Lennie, with his immense physical strength but childlike mental capacity, has a peculiar fascination with soft, furry things. He loves to pet them, often to death, due to his inability to control his strength.
Why a Dead Mouse?
Lennie’s affection for petting soft things, and his unfortunate tendency to crush them, is a central theme in the book. He genuinely loves these creatures and wants to have them with him, to pet them and feel their softness. However, his lack of understanding of his own power means that these gentle intentions often result in a tragic outcome. He can’t grasp that holding a small animal too tightly will kill it.
When George sees the dead mouse, he’s not just angry about the dead animal itself. He’s frustrated because:
- It's a symbol of Lennie's inability to control himself. Every time Lennie brings out a dead mouse, it’s a stark reminder of his limitations and the constant need for George to be vigilant.
- It poses a risk to their future. George dreams of a small farm where Lennie can tend to the rabbits. This dream is constantly threatened by Lennie’s impulsive actions and inability to follow simple instructions. A dead mouse, and the circumstances that lead to it, could easily lead to them being fired from their jobs.
- It's a repetitive problem. George has likely had this conversation with Lennie multiple times before. His exasperation stems from the feeling that Lennie isn’t learning or changing, making their precarious existence even more difficult.
George’s repeated outbursts, often starting with a sharp, "What you got there, Lennie?" followed by a frustrated "Give it here!", are born out of a deep-seated concern for Lennie’s well-being and their shared dream.
The Significance of the Mouse
The dead mouse isn't just a plot device; it's a powerful symbol. It represents:
- Innocence and vulnerability. The mouse, like Lennie, is small and easily crushed.
- The harsh realities of their world. In the harsh economic climate of the Great Depression, even a simple desire to pet a soft creature can lead to trouble.
- The tragic contrast between Lennie's intentions and his actions. His gentle desire to pet something soft results in its death, mirroring the larger tragic arc of the story.
The initial scene with the dead mouse sets the tone for the entire novella, foreshadowing the larger tragedies to come. It’s a clear indicator of the challenges George faces in protecting Lennie and helping him achieve their dream. George’s frustration is not born of cruelty, but of a weary love and a deep understanding of the precariousness of their situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about Lennie's pocket item:
Why does Lennie keep taking dead mice out of his pocket?
Lennie loves to pet soft things. He finds mice and wants to hold them because they feel nice in his hands. However, because of his immense strength and lack of control, he usually crushes them accidentally, leaving him with a dead mouse to show for his efforts.
Why does George get so angry about the dead mouse?
George gets angry because Lennie's habit of killing mice with his strength is a constant reminder of Lennie's limitations and the danger they are in. He fears that Lennie's inability to control himself will get them into serious trouble, potentially leading to them losing their jobs and jeopardizing their dream of owning a farm.
Is the dead mouse the only thing Lennie takes out of his pocket?
In the early parts of the story, the dead mouse is the most significant and recurring item Lennie takes out of his pocket that causes friction with George. Later in the story, Lennie's desire to pet soft things leads him to take other things out, culminating in the tragic incident with Curley's wife's hair.
