Of Mice And Men George Kills Lennie
Ever Wonder Why Steinbeck Made Us Cry? Let's Talk *Mice and Men*!
Okay, so *Of Mice and Men* isn't exactly a laugh riot. But have you ever stopped to think about how totally bananas the whole thing is?
Two best buds, George and Lennie, wandering around Depression-era California, dreaming of rabbits? Sounds like a buddy comedy with a slightly dusty setting.
The Rabbit Ranch: A Dream (and a Nightmare)
Their "dream," right? Buying a little farm, growing their own food, and Lennie getting to tend the rabbits. It's so wholesome, it almost hurts!
But let's be real. Lennie isn't exactly the *most* responsible guy. His whole "petting soft things" thing leads to...issues.
First a mouse, then a puppy, and finally Curley's wife. Things escalated quickly, didn't they? Like a badly-written sitcom plot that accidentally gets deep.
The Big, Sad Bang: George's Choice
So, it all boils down to George shooting Lennie. Woof. It's the ending that launched a thousand tear-soaked high school book reports.
But think about it for a second. It's not just a tragedy; it's a seriously messed-up act of friendship. It is a mercy, but a very tragic one.
George is essentially deciding that Lennie's life is better off ending on their terms, with a happy story about their farm, rather than at the hands of a vengeful mob. Grim, but loyal.
Why We're All Still Talking About It
The brilliance of *Of Mice and Men* lies in its simplicity. It takes these big, heavy themes – friendship, dreams, the cruelty of life – and boils them down to this simple, almost fable-like story.
It's about these two guys who just want a little piece of land and some rabbits. It's a story about the American Dream, but the dream itself is also a bit of a joke, considering their reality.
And that's the heart of the story. The reality is that in their world, dreams get crushed. So, maybe George shooting Lennie is the *only* way their dream could remain pure, untainted by the harsh realities of their time.
A Different Take: Laughing Through the Tears?
I know, I know, it sounds weird to find humor in such a sad book. But sometimes, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation can help us cope.
Like, imagine George trying to explain to a bewildered social worker why his best friend keeps accidentally killing small animals. It would be a scene out of a quirky indie film.
Or the pure, unadulterated joy Lennie gets from petting things, even if it's short-lived. There's a childlike innocence there that is actually endearing.
Maybe, just maybe, *Of Mice and Men* is about finding those tiny moments of light in the darkest of times. Those few seconds of perfect joy.
More Than Just a Sad Ending
So, next time you think about *Of Mice and Men*, don't just focus on the sadness. Remember the rabbits, the farm, and the unwavering, albeit complicated, friendship between George and Lennie.
And remember that even in the face of tragedy, there's always a little bit of humanity to be found. Even if it's a little bit messed up.
It's a story that stays with you, long after you've dried your tears and put the book back on the shelf. And that, in itself, is a kind of magic.
