Why Did Lennie Kill George

2025-08-01 11:30:43 60

3 Answers

Bella
Bella
2025-08-05 00:19:18
I've always been deeply affected by the tragic ending of 'Of Mice and Men', and Lennie's accidental killing of George is one of those moments that sticks with you. Lennie, with his childlike mind and immense strength, doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions. He loves George like a brother, but his inability to control his own power leads to disaster. When Lennie panics after accidentally killing Curley’s wife, George realizes there’s no way out for him. The mob is coming, and Lennie would suffer horribly. George’s decision to shoot Lennie himself is an act of mercy, a heartbreaking moment where love and despair collide. It’s not about malice—it’s about protecting Lennie from a worse fate.

What makes this scene so powerful is the way it reflects the harsh realities of their world. George and Lennie’s dream of owning land is shattered, and George is left with nothing but the weight of his choice. The novel forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about compassion, sacrifice, and the limits of loyalty.
Omar
Omar
2025-08-05 23:44:30
The relationship between George and Lennie in 'Of Mice and Men' is one of the most complex and heartbreaking in literature. Lennie’s killing of George isn’t intentional—it’s the culmination of a series of tragic misunderstandings and Lennie’s inability to navigate a world that doesn’t accommodate his mental limitations. Lennie’s strength is his curse; he doesn’t mean to hurt anyone, but his actions have devastating consequences. When he accidentally kills Curley’s wife, it’s not out of malice but sheer panic and confusion. George, who has spent years protecting Lennie, is faced with an impossible choice: let the mob torture and kill Lennie or end his life himself.

George’s decision to shoot Lennie is a moment of profound love and despair. He knows Lennie would never survive in a world that fears and misunderstands him. The act is merciful, but it’s also a betrayal of their shared dream. The tragedy lies in the fact that George, who has always been Lennie’s protector, becomes the instrument of his death. It’s a stark commentary on the brutality of life for those who don’t fit in, and the lengths we go to for the people we love.

The novel doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the Depression era, where survival often means making unthinkable choices. George and Lennie’s story is a reminder of how fragile dreams can be, and how love can sometimes demand the ultimate sacrifice. The ending leaves readers with a sense of loss, but also a deeper understanding of the bonds that define us.
Quinn
Quinn
2025-08-07 14:06:17
Lennie’s accidental killing of George in 'Of Mice and Men' is one of the most devastating moments in literature. Lennie, with his immense physical strength and childlike mind, doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions. He loves George deeply, but his inability to control his strength leads to tragedy. When Lennie panics after accidentally killing Curley’s wife, George is faced with an impossible decision. He knows the mob will come for Lennie, and the thought of Lennie suffering is too much to bear. George’s decision to shoot Lennie is an act of love, a way to spare him from a worse fate.

The scene is heartbreaking because it underscores the fragility of their dream. George and Lennie’s hope for a better life is shattered in an instant, and George is left alone with the weight of his choice. The novel forces us to confront difficult questions about mercy, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life. It’s a moment that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading, a testament to Steinbeck’s ability to capture the complexities of human relationships.
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Why Did George Kill Lennie

3 Answers2025-08-01 21:57:07
George killing Lennie in 'Of Mice and Men' is one of the most heartbreaking moments in literature. From my perspective, George did it out of mercy and love. Lennie, with his childlike innocence and immense strength, was a danger to himself and others, as seen with the accidental death of Curley's wife. The mob was coming for Lennie, and they would have made his death painful and brutal. George couldn’t bear the thought of his friend suffering. He chose to give Lennie a peaceful end, one filled with dreams of their farm and rabbits, sparing him the horror of what was coming. It was the ultimate act of friendship, even if it was devastating.

Are Lennie And George Brothers

3 Answers2025-08-01 03:32:02
I remember reading 'Of Mice and Men' in high school, and this question about Lennie and George always stuck with me. They aren’t brothers by blood, but their bond runs even deeper than that. George looks out for Lennie like an older brother would, guiding him through life’s challenges with patience and care. Lennie, in turn, trusts George completely, relying on him for protection and direction. Their relationship is one of the most touching aspects of the story, showing how family isn’t always about blood but about the love and loyalty you share. The way George sacrifices for Lennie, even when it’s hard, really highlights the strength of their connection.

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George shooting Lennie in 'Of Mice and Men' is one of the most heartbreaking moments in literature, and it’s a decision that carries immense emotional weight. From my perspective, George’s action is a tragic act of mercy. Lennie, with his childlike mentality and immense physical strength, doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions. After accidentally killing Curley’s wife, Lennie becomes a danger to himself and others. George knows that if the other men catch Lennie, they’ll subject him to a brutal and painful death. By shooting Lennie himself, George spares him from that suffering. It’s a moment of love and protection, even though it’s devastating. George has spent years caring for Lennie, and this final act is the ultimate sacrifice—ending Lennie’s life to save him from a worse fate. The relationship between George and Lennie is central to understanding this moment. George often talks about how life would be easier without Lennie, but it’s clear he deeply cares for him. They share a dream of owning a piece of land, a symbol of hope and stability in a harsh world. When that dream is shattered by Lennie’s actions, George is left with no good options. The world of the novel is unforgiving, and Lennie’s innocence makes him vulnerable to its cruelty. George’s decision is a reflection of the novel’s themes—the fragility of dreams, the brutality of survival, and the bonds of friendship. It’s not just about saving Lennie from pain; it’s about preserving some dignity in a world that offers none. The act is tragic, but it’s also the only kindness George can give Lennie in the end.

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George takes care of Lennie because their bond is built on a deep, almost brotherly connection that transcends mere friendship. In 'Of Mice and Men,' Lennie's childlike innocence and immense physical strength create a contrast that makes him vulnerable in a harsh world. George, despite his occasional frustration, feels a sense of responsibility and loyalty toward Lennie. Their shared dream of owning a farm gives George purpose, and protecting Lennie is part of that vision. He knows Lennie wouldn’t survive alone, and their relationship is a rare glimpse of tenderness in Steinbeck’s stark portrayal of loneliness during the Great Depression. Beyond duty, there’s an unspoken love between them. George’s gruff exterior hides his fear of abandonment—without Lennie, he’d be just another drifting laborer with no one to care for. Their dynamic mirrors the theme of companionship versus solitude, and George’s actions, like retelling their dream, are as much for his own hope as they are for Lennie’s comfort. Even when George makes the ultimate sacrifice at the end, it’s a tragic act of mercy, proving how far he’d go to shield Lennie from cruelty.

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5 Answers2025-04-14 22:59:52
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