An Analysis Of John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Could you kill your best friend? How could you make such a decision, and how would you know if it was the right thing to do or not? That’s one of the most controversial questions asked at the end of John Steinbeck’s novella, Of Mice and Men. After many mishaps and misunderstandings, a mentally challenged giant named Lennie Small, finally made the innocent but fatal mistake he ever could have by killing a woman on the ranch where he and George work. As the men on the ranch try to bring Lennie to justice, or killing him in cold blood, George must decide whether to escape with Lennie, turn him in to the men or the law, or end Lennie’s life quickly and peacefully himself. In the end, George makes the right decision in killing Lennie because George gave him a merciful death, Lennie wouldn’t have to suffer, and wouldn’t be put in an institution.
Crooks comment to Lennie shows just how cruel they would be to him if he got put in an institution. Lennie doesn’t know what he does something wrong and he often forgets everything he does. By the end of the book, Lennie has killed more mice, a puppy, and unfortunately a woman. Even though George knows Lennie will never get passed his disability, and will probably kill again, even if he doesn’t mean to. Therefore, George is right in killing Lennie to protect everyone around