“Of Mice and Men”: George’s actions at the end of the novel Essay

Discuss Georges actions at the end of the novel. How put forward we justify what he does to Lennie? How can we condemn it?Although murder is morally incorrect, mercy putting to death can be justified as it may prevent a later inevitable and dreadful end. In the novella Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck, the character George shoots his friend, Lennie. Whilst Georges actions can be condemned, George had good intentions towards the close of his friend. Steinbeck makes it clear throughout the novella that although horrid incidents may occur such as Lennies death that it was how it was during the Great Depression. However one may like to condemn Georges actions in shooting his only friend, George had forgivable intentions as to why he chose to shoot Lennie.Georges murdering of his friend was without malicious intent. It is clear from the start in the novella that George cares for Lennie, as he protects and looks out for him. Killing Lennie was not an easy choice.. He also prev ented a further painful and torturous death for Lennie, as Curley plans to shoot that long bastards guts right outta him. This implies that Curley intends no mercy and an excruciating death awaits Lennie. By shooting his friend, George gives Lennie a peaceful death. During the scene where the two work force are in the bush, George once again recites their dream which reminds the audience and Lennie of their friendship. He tells George, I got you an you got me. This conveys in the idea that George truly cared for Lennie and has no vicious intent when he is to shoot Lennie. By shooting Lennie, George gave him a merciful and peaceful death with no intended malicion.The murder of Lennie is justified as Steinbeck shows the audience through the novella, true-to-life(prenominal) themes that were evident in the 1930s. Steinbecks writing style has been described as a naturalist or realist type. It is clear from the start, that in Of Mice and Men there is a predatory nature in human existen ce. glaze says to George, I shouldnt have let no stranger shoot my dog. Having said that, it foreshadows Lennies death and what George must do. It also conveys in the idea that Lennie will face a similar fate to Candys old dog who is weak and handicapped. golf-club does not tolerate the weak as there were limited resources during the GreatDepression. As seen in the scene where Slim drowns the keenest pups, it is clear that Steinbeck is trying to send crosswise the message that only the strongest lived during the Great Depression. John Steinbeck gave the reader a realistic view on what would have happened during a baffling time and Lennies death is similar to what would have occurred during the 1930s.The final reason that justifies Lennies death, is when one ponders the reality of the men attaining the ranch. As evident in the novella, Lennie has no problem killing small animals and even people. If the reader is to imagine Lennie on a ranch with a large group of animals, especial ly rabbits no matter how many times Candy calculated the numbers, there would be no possible way for the men to make a profit off the rabbits given the amount Lennie would kill receivable to his brute strength. By forgetting the reality of the situation, the men forget that the ranch was not even a reachable goal in the first place. As indicated by George, I think I knowed from the very first. I think I knowed wed never do her. This supports the idea that there was really no lay on the line of the men actually getting the ranch. By killing Lennie, George puts an end to the unrealistic dream in which Lennie would have created problems in making the dream farm profitable.Georges actions are justified through realism that the ending scene portrays. When George shoots Lennie, he en reliables he dies a peaceful death. If George did not kill Lennie, Lennie would have faced a possible torturous death. His actions are also justified as George meant no malicious intent and only wants the b est for his friend. Lennie would have made life difficult even on their own land. Steinbeck shows the realism that people in the Great Depression would have faced in situations similar to Lennie and Georges he shows us a piece of history and the tragedies attached. Although one may condemn Georges shooting of Lennie, mercy killing was the best choice for both of the men.Loved the present about the Depression times. (Paragraph 3) and also the unrealistic dream point in the next paragraphYou could also discuss the fact that George also loses something by killingLennie. He really believed their relationship was special. ( George tells Slim this). Killing Lennie wasnt just the easy way out for George.Once again, an original approach.I am sure your exam essay will reflect your mature approach and your hard work.