Why did George kill Lennie?

Question

Im writting an paper about Mice and Men. I need some help answering why Geoge is a hero for shooting Lennie?

Answer 1

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Answer 2

True, Lennie would have never survived being in jail. Add to that, George loved him. George knew that the men coming after Lennie would have been cruel and would have tortured him. Lennie would have no idea of what was going on or why simply because he didn't mean to do "a bad thing." The confusion and all would have been horrible, and George could not bear having that happen to Lennie. George told Lennie all about the little piece of land and the rabbits and all so Lennie's last thoughts would be pleasant.

I like the fact that George's last name was Milton, and Milton was the poet that wrote "Paradise Lost", and that title fits so well with Of Mice and Men. Milton also wrote Paradise Regained. I'm not sure George would have ever experienced that. Maybe he did because his life without Lennie would have been so much more peaceful.

Answer 3

George killed Lennie because he wanted the last face that Lennie saw to be on he loved and knew loved him in return. By doing it himself George was able to ensure that Lennie would have a quick death with as little pain as possible. If the other had gotten to Lennie first there was a pretty high chance that he would be tortured. Lennie was simple and as such would never have been able to survive the daily life of an inmate. Depression era prisons were notorious. Given Lennie's tendency to defend those he liked and himself almost violently, there was no way to ensure that Lennie would have been able to stay out of trouble on the inside.

In the end the compassion and love George feels towards Lennie is overpowering. Sometimes the only way to save someone is to let them go. By making this choice George gave Lennie the ultimate gift of freedom.

Answer 4

Because Lennie would never make it in the penal system. he was too childlike and wouldn't have George around to protect him. George was always looking out for Lennie and he felt that killing him was the best thing for him. It was not done for selfish reasons.