Lennie In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

In the well known novel “Of Mice and Men” written by John Steinbeck, George shoots his friend Lennie to avoid a more painful death. It was in the right mind of George to kill him because this was the most peaceful solution to keep everyone else out of harm.

Lennie was not aware of his own strength, which caused a possible threat to everyone and everything around him. He was trying to keep Candy’s wife quiet from George when she was screaming because he would get in trouble, shaking her, which hurt the woman more. She had stopped, so Lennie released his grip. “‘He looked down at her, and carefully he removed his hand from her mouth, and she lay still. I don’t want to hurt you’, he said… When she didn’t answer nor move he bent closely over her… for a moment he seemed bewildered” (Steinbeck 91). Lennie failed to realize that he had killed Curley’s wife, even shocking himself. From this incident, Lennie is a danger to the people around him. He was “bewildered”, surprised at what he had done and that he was not able to control his power. Because he isn’t aware with his careless behavior, he could wind up hurting more people.

He selfishly asked for ketchup with his beans that George had to provide for him. George was angry, saying “You can’t keep a job and you lose me ever’ job I get. Jus’ keep shovin’ all over the country all the time. An’ that ain’t the worse… You get me in trouble. You do bad things and I got to get you out (Steinbeck 11). George is upset towards Lennie because he's always caring for himself, plus one. It isn’t fair to George to have burdens like this dragged along with him wherever he goes. Lennie always has to depend on George for daily