What are the similarities and differences in the shooting of Lennie and of Candy's dog in Of Mice and Men?

Question

Please try to use a quote from the book.

Answer 1

After Candy's old hound is shot, he says to George "I ought to have shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to have let no stranger shoot my dog" (Steinbeck 61). This scene is meant to be a foil of sorts to the final episode when George shoots Lennnie. Candy's dog was old and it was going to die anyway; after everything they went through together, Candy should have done it himself, instead of letting some stranger who didn't care about the animal to take him out back and shoot him. Candy feels that he owed this to his dog, and he let him down by allowing Carlson to do it.

George applies that concept to Lennie. Lennie's mentality is very much like the old dog; he is dependant on George to look out for him. George knows that Curly and his cronies are going to shoot Lennie anyway, as soon as they find him. He doesn't want to let "no stranger shoot my dog" to put it bluntly. It is partially about being merciful, but I think it is more about honour and loyality to someone who loves you and has been dependent on you. To let some "stranger shoot [your] dog" is in a way t he worst kinbd of betrayal, for Candy and also for George. Important here si the fact that Lennie is very much like a dog; it's not about whether or not it is right to kill another human being. Notice there is "dog" imagery in the final scene. George tells Lennie to remove his hat and Lennie does so "dutifully," like a loyal hound (Steinbeck 105). Steinbeck isn't getting into the euthanasia debate.

Obviously, the two situations aren't the exact same, but the scene with the dog is foreshadowing the scene to come with George and Lennie.

Answer 2

in page 69. Candy says to George "I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn t of let no stranger shoot my dog". While Candy made the mistake of not shooting his life long friend himself to end its suffering, George was able to save Lennie from being killed by Curley and his men, or strapped down in a cage. By shooting Lennie it was to put him out of the misery that was sure to follow and for it to be done by someone who knew him and cared for him instead of strangers who where just angry over something that they didn t necessarily understand.

Answer 3

It has been awhile since I read it or saw the play. I do remember that the similarity is that both shootings were intended to be merciful.