How Did George Kill Lennie Justified In Of Mice And Men

Seen throughout the book, Of Mice and Men, the character development of the main character, Lennie, was changing to a more violent and uncontrollable human, and foreshadowed his death. Since Lennie killed Curley’s wife he was a fugitive, and anyone who killed him is just. In the novel of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the character George is justified in killing Lennie because of his actions caused by his disabilities allowing for a better life.

George’s decision on killing Lennie was the right one. Lennie had no judgment on whether or not something was legal because of his mental illness. Although Lennie’s actions could be justified because of his inability to comprehend life, in the state of California, the prison system was brutal to

Lennie is incapable of finding food and clean water to drink. Found at the beginning of the book, “His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse. The small man stepped nervously beside him. ‘Lennie’ he said sharply. ‘Lennie, for God’ sakes don’t drink so much.’ Lennie continued to snort into the pool. The small man leaned over and shook him by the shoulder. ‘Lennie. You gonna be sick like you was last night.’” (Steinbeck, 3). Lennie is unable to remember any survival instincts, seen when George tells him he will get sick like he was last night. Even with a fresh memory, Lennie couldn’t remember to not drink clean running water. If George were to run away with Lennie in order for a higher survival chance, there would be a warrant or bounty out for the arrest or death. Once they are caught, they are both in jeopardy of death by the government and would result in two deaths instead of one, when only one really deserved it.

In the novel, Of Mice and Men, George was justified in killing Lennie because of his mental illness. Without George killing Lennie , he could have been tortured and killed brutally, but instead, George filled his mind with happy thoughts and ended it without any pain. Death is a debatable topic, yet this decision was for the better interest of his best friend,