In John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men, George Milton faces a tragic conclusion that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. At the end of the story, George is left to make an agonizing decision regarding his long-time friend and companion, Lennie Small.
After an unfortunate series of events culminates in Lennie accidentally killing Curley’s wife, a mob forms, intent on seeking vengeance. George understands that Lennie cannot comprehend the gravity of his actions and how the world views him as a threat due to his intellectual disabilities. To protect Lennie from a violent death at the hands of the mob, George takes matters into his own hands.
In a heart-wrenching moment, George finds Lennie hiding by the river where they once dreamed of a better life. Instead of letting Lennie face the anger of the mob, George comforts him by recounting their shared dream of owning a piece of land, filled with rabbits and freedom. Ultimately, George shoots Lennie in the back of the head, ensuring that his friend dies peacefully, rather than suffering at the hands of others.
This act is deeply complex, as it showcases George’s love for Lennie intertwined with the harsh realities of their lives during the Great Depression. By the end of the novella, George is left grappling with immense grief and solitude, encapsulating the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the tragic nature of their existence.