THE FORESHADOWING OF LENNIE'S DEATH

THESIS

• You know Lennie will get killed because
• all the "companions" and
• "sources of comfort"
• in this story get killed

FIRST COMPANION: MICE

• "I'd pet em', and pretty soon they bit my fingers
• and I pinched their heads a little and they was dead".
• (Ch 1, p 8)

SECOND COMPANION: CANDY'S DOG

• "He don't have no fun," Carlson insisted. " He stinks to beat hell. Tell you what I'll shoot him for you."
• (Ch 3, p 6)
• "A shot sounded In the distance. The men looked quickly at The old man. Every head turned toward
• him." (Ch 3, p 10)

THIRD COMPANION: LENNIE'S PUPPY

• "Lennie sat in the hay and looked at a little dead puppy that lay in front of him."
• (Ch 5, p 2)
• "He was so little," He said. "I was playing with him... An' he made like he's gonna bite
• me... An' I made like I was gonna smack him... An'... An' I done it, an he was dead."
• (Ch 5, p 3

FOURTH COMPANION: CURLEY'S WIFE

• "He shook her then, and he was angry with her. "Don't go yellin'" he said, and he shook
• her ;and her body flopped like a fish. And she was still, for Lennie has broke. Her neck."
• (Ch 5, p 6)