I have to include context in my essay, and the context about the great depression, sexism and racism is clear. However, I am unsure how to write context about Lennie's mental disability. Any advice would be appreciated
Look at the way Steinbeck describes Lennie. He uses animal imagery and simple diction to fit with Lennie's character. After walking into the clearing, Lennie's first action is very animal-like. He falls to his knees and slurps water from the river, just as a horse might, or a dog drinking water from a bowl. George comments:
"You'd drink out of a gutter if you was thirsty."
Here we have the image of a man who is not intelligent enough to check if the water is fresh, but who also drinks in a very animal-like fashion. Lennie's mental retardation comes across clearly, as he is presented as almost less than human.
