Was George Justified In Of Mice And Men

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Within this lifetime, people are forced to compromise their sense of morality for the sake of another. The novel Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck features a pair of ranch workers that looked after each other during the Great Depression: George Milton and Lennie Small. Prior to Lennie being mentally handicapped, George’s job opportunities were frequently ruined yet the level of commitment suggests a shared history and aspiration. Their dream was shattered in the end, and George was given an ultimatum between killing Lennie or allowing him to suffer at the hands of Curley. Despite the fact that murder is with no doubt ethically incorrect, George was deemed justified for shooting Lennie because in his perspective, it was a matter

Granted that Lennie was never given a choice to decide his own fate, George knowingly distracted him by stating, “No, Lennie. Look down acrost the river, like you can almost see the place” (103). Consequently, George filled Lennie’s head with their hopes and dreams to conceal what was bound to happen. As unethical and selfish his action was, people must weigh the likelihood of Lennie dying without despair or misery. Another standpoint may insist how George blatantly betrayed Lennie’s trust in a sense that he abandoned their visions and did not attempt to fight. Under the circumstances, it was unrealistic for the pair to escape and begin a new life (again) because there was simply no time: “The voices came close now. George raised the gun and listened to the voices” (103). Thus, the idealism of George and Lennie asconding once again remains a mere belief, for there was a low possibility of getting away at all; George realized it as he raises the gun. Aside from impracticality, it was also argued that murdering another human being is considered “a homicide… and cannot be rationalized under any circumstances” (Maisie 1). Even though murder shouldn’t be condoned, an overlooked issue throughout the story was Lennie killing Curley’s wife and running away without facing justice. There were various indications that Lennie was mentally disabled but it does not rationalize (excuse) his action. Dissimilar to George taking Lennie’s life, he was aware of what he was doing and it was out of tough love; which doesn’t make it any less guilty. In this final evaluation, both homicides were wrongful and can never be justified, although George’s motive was proven to protect Lennie from facing a horrible