How did you feel when you read to the page on the episode of Lennie's death?

Question

I mean an episode form "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, I thought George's cruel & cold-blooded when I read how he killed Lennie, it had such an impact that I decided I wouldn't read Steinbeck any more. Please share your ideas so that I can read him again, thanks.

Answer 1

Surely it's a good thing that you have reacted this way to an author. It means the writing has had a powerful effect on you, so much so that you were completely unaware of what was coming next, and when it did come it threw you. I think this is the mark of an author you should read more of. I don't think books should be things that you read and leave you with nothing to think about. The best ones pose questions, and leave you thinking about the actions people have taken. Are you really so sure that Lennie's death was a "cruel" act on George's part? Could it not have been that it was the ultimate act of kindness? Think about it..and read more Steinbeck!

Answer 2

I read the same book years ago and my reactions to Lennie's death were pretty much the same as yours. I thought how could the world be so cruel to such a simple man. However, that is one of the effects of great literature: It moves you in a real way.

Steinbeck was a great writer, and wrote about many things about which people feel uncomfortable. If you are going to base your literary criticism only on what makes you feel good, you will miss out on a great deal of amazing and beautiful writings.

Give Steinbeck another chance. Read "Grapes of Wrath" for a piece of literature than ends in great hope from out of crushing desparation.

Answer 3

Keep reading Stienbeck. I was absolutely stunned by Lennie's death. I think Stienbeck was hoping we would be. I am not sure though that I see cruelty in George's actions. Killing his friend was kinder then having him captured by the mob.