Two Character Compare/contrast

The main characters from the stories Of Mice and Men and “The Scarlet Ibis”, Lennie and Doodle, have similar dependencies, yet are completely different people. The writers of the book Of Mice and Men, John Steinbech, and the writer of “The Scarlet Ibis”, James Hurst, outline characters that in certain characteristics, are almost exactly like or completely opposite. It is easily seen while reading these works the instant connection between these characters.

One of the first things noticed about a character is their physical features. Lennie and Doodle have many physical differences. First of all, Lennie is a very big man, and doodle is a very small boy. Also Lennie is very physically strong, something doodle is not. Doodle can barely walk nor do anything else because of his frail body, while Lennie can do almost anything he wants physically. It is their extremes that make them similar in their vulnerability.

Another thing I see when analyzing the characters of Lennie and Doodle are their mental differences. Doodle is a very imaginative, intelligent, child, always telling stories and pretending. Lennie is a slow adult, like a big child, Lennie by today’s standards would be considered mentally retarded. As said before, Doodle has a very expansive mind, while Lennie has a one-track mind. Lennie is very incapable mentally and usually needs a lot of help.

In these two tales there is a major theme of a certain companionship and relationship, something both Doodle and Lennie share. Doodle’s prognosis after berth was a near death, which did not come, instead Doodle grew up very weak, and a cripple for a while. Doodle’s brother was very important to him, he pulled him around, taught him to do things including walking, and was also just like a friend to Doodle. This relationship meant a lot to both of them. As for Lennie,”Lennie had George and George had Lennie”. Whenever Lennie needed some help or some guidance George was there. They meant a lot to each other like Doodle and his brother.

Physical and mental differences seem like simple traits but actually play a deep role in these writings. As I said earlier, Doodle and Lennie are very opposite physical and mental people, even so they share the need for a companion. Their relationships with other people provide what they can not provide for themselves. That’s what I think is the main theme of both pieces of writing and the most important characteristics between these two extreme and vulnerable individuals.