At the end of John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men, the story culminates in a tragic and heart-wrenching conclusion. In the final chapters, George kills his friend Lennie in a moment of mercy to spare him from a more brutal fate at the hands of an angry mob. Lennie, who has unintentionally caused trouble throughout the story due to his mental disability and giant strength, accidentally kills Curley’s wife, leading to a frantic search for him.
George understands that if Lennie is caught, he will face a horrible end, likely being lynched by the other workers. To protect Lennie, George finds him by the riverbank where they had previously agreed to meet in times of trouble. In a poignant moment, George distracts Lennie by talking about their dream of owning a piece of land and tending rabbits, allowing him to feel safe and calm before he pulls the trigger.
This ending is often interpreted as a commentary on the themes of friendship, loneliness, and the American Dream. It showcases George’s deep love and responsibility for Lennie, demonstrating that sometimes difficult choices must be made out of love, highlighting the harsh realities faced by those who are marginalized.