In of Mice and Men, is the novel or film more successful in demonstrating Lennie’s struggles in society?

Making this comparison, we might take into account the power of the spoken word to represent mental capacity. Also, we have three works to consider here as Of Mice and Men has been made into a feature film twice. 

The 1939 film version of Of Mice and Men presents a sympathetic but slow-witted Lennie. Lennie speaks slowly, often comically, and is depicted as a happy-go-lucky dullard. The 1992 version of the book presents Lennie with a speech affectation that characterizes him as mentally and socially handicapped in ways that serve to articulate his challenges vividly. 

The 1992 film brings Lennie to life as a person struggling to live in the world, prone to rage at times, and so gives us a very successful demonstration of Lennie's social challenges. The light-heartedness of the 1939 film is admirable and perhaps makes Lennie more sympathetic than he is in the 1992 film. Yet, Lennie's struggles are not as clearly communicated in that original film version. 

On the page, Lennie's difficulties are clearly delineated, especially in the conversations between Lennie and George. George repeatedly defines Lennie's challenges and his social deficiencies in ways that allow the reader to understand the nature of Lennie's plight. 

Lennie's trouble with memory is introduced early in the novel and is connected to a difficulty understanding what is expected of him in the world. 

"O.K. - - O.K. I'll tell ya again. I ain't got nothing to do. Might jus' as well spen' all my time tellin' you things then you forget 'em, and I tell you again." 

George's warnings and advice for Lennie as they get the job and start life on the ranch further indicate Lennie's specific struggles to learn how to behave in a social environment. The directness of these remarks makes a comparison to the power of the 1992 film somewhat difficult. 

The 1992 film powerfully articulates Lennie's social challenges and his mental state, vividly expressing his tendency to be enraged. This lack of control is important. However, the book presents a concrete and direct set of characterizations of Lennie. 

Ultimately, the film may be taken as the sharper and clearer representation of Lennie's struggles because of it's exploration of Lennie's dark side.