Of Mice And Men: George's Decision To Kill Lenny And Commentary

Of Mice and Men After reading the story Of Mice and Men, I agreed with George's decision however unethical it may seem. I do not fully condone the death sentence but my opinion still stands. As I will explain, it seems George had no other decision but to take the actions he did to ensure Lenny wouldn't be killed by strangers cruelly and painfully. In a way it was his responsibility. I will explain my reasoning for this line of thought.

If you read near the end of Act 3, you will see that George did not want to kill Lenny, suggesting "Couldn't we maybe bring him in and lock him up? He's nuts, slim, he never done this to be mean." However Slim reminded George that he wouldn't be any good to himself or others that way. Only after Slim tells George "I think there's only one way to get him out of it," that George decides to kill Lenny. It is also noticeable when George lifts the Luger only to have his hand shake and then fall back to the ground. George is made out to be a monster in this book mainly because he kills Lenny but it was really only his last-ditch choice. Mr. Moore has argued that he could have always run with him but why? To go to another town where Lenny will want to "˜touch' something because it feels nice? Then they are back on the run just like before.

George did the only humane thing he could have thought of, to kill Lenny painlessly and quickly before the other ranch hands got to him and tortured him. In a way George was dealing with his responsibility, Lenny. Mr. Moore has also argued that this is treating him as a "˜dog' so to speak, but given Lenny's lack of knowing what is going on or how to control his strength or actions, there is no way he could possibly live on his own, making George responsible for him as a parent is responsible for caring for their child.

Now, if I were in this situation, I would have taken the way viewed as more humane and valiant, to run with Lenny and hope the other ranch hands don't find us on our way out. I say this only because I wouldn't be able to kill someone totally helpless and unaware. That still doesn't say that I disagree with George's actions, that is for someone different than I to do however. So basically I fully agree with what George did, however it would not be an action I would take myself.

In conclusion, what George did was in no way wrong to me, however this opinion is challenged by most of the class. Lenny was only a threat to himself and others, and doesn't seem to have the capacity to learn exactly how to behave the right way in these kinds of instances. They only gets himself, George and the individual involved hurt or scared.