Of Mice and Men

How does Lennie's mental state worsen throughout the novel?

I know everyone is asking what Lennie's mental disorder would be diagnosed as. But I am wondering more how his mental state deteriorates over the course of the story. Thanks for any help!

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Last updated by Aslan
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Lennie's cognitive challenges mean that his mental state is pretty much the same. His final encounter with Curley's wife was strongly foreshadowed before they even reached the ranch. Lennie lived primarily in the moment, unable to carry emotional detail from one moment to the next.

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