The Ending of Of Mice and Men: A Complex Moral Decision
At the conclusion of John Steinbeck’s classic novella “Of Mice and Men,” readers are confronted with a poignant and controversial ending. George, one of the main characters, is faced with a heart-wrenching decision regarding his best friend Lennie, ultimately choosing to end his life. This ending has sparked debates and discussions about the moral implications of George’s actions. In this article, we will examine the factors leading up to the ending and delve into the moral complexity of George’s decision.
George’s Decision
The ending of “Of Mice and Men” revolves around George’s difficult choice to spare Lennie from a potentially brutal death at the hands of Curley. George understands that Lennie’s intellectual limitations and his inability to control his own strength have led to tragic consequences, including the accidental killing of Curley’s wife. Aware of the imminent danger Lennie faces, George makes the agonizing decision to shoot him in the back of the head [2]. This act, while undoubtedly challenging for George, raises profound ethical questions.
Lennie’s Actions
Lennie’s actions leading up to the ending play a crucial role in shaping the narrative’s tragic climax. Due to his mental disability and immense physical strength, Lennie unintentionally causes harm to those around him. In the case of Curley’s wife, Lennie’s innocent desire to touch her soft hair leads to her accidental death. This catastrophic event sets off a search for Lennie by the other men on the ranch, intensifying the sense of impending tragedy.
George’s Reasoning
George’s decision to end Lennie’s life can be interpreted as an act of mercy. He believes that it is better for Lennie to die quickly and painlessly at his hands rather than suffer a more violent and vengeful death inflicted by others. George’s reasoning is rooted in his deep understanding of Lennie’s vulnerabilities and the harsh realities of their world. He takes it upon himself to spare Lennie further pain, guided by a sense of responsibility and love for his friend.
Moral Implications
The moral implications of George’s choice to kill his best friend are complex and thought-provoking. On one hand, George’s act can be seen as an act of compassion, driven by his desire to protect Lennie from a more brutal fate. He assumes the role of judge, jury, and executioner, making a morally weighty decision on behalf of another person. This raises questions about the limits of personal agency and the responsibility one has towards those they care for.
On the other hand, taking another person’s life is an act that carries profound moral weight. Despite George’s intentions, the act of killing another human being is inherently ethically challenging. It forces us to confront the difficult choices individuals sometimes face when confronted with extreme circumstances.
In conclusion, the ending of “Of Mice and Men” presents readers with a morally complex decision made by George. His choice to end Lennie’s life is driven by a mix of compassion, protectiveness, and an understanding of the harsh realities they face. While George’s decision can be seen as an act of mercy, it also raises profound moral questions about the boundaries of personal agency and the value of human life.
Sources:
- SparkNotes. “Of Mice and Men: What Does the Ending Mean?” https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/micemen/what-does-the-ending-mean/
- ipl.org. “The End Of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice And Men.” https://www.ipl.org/essay/The-End-Of-John-Steinbecks-Of-Mice-F3JRL9BE2DVT
- York Notes. “Key Contexts & Themes: The ending.” https://www.yorknotes.com/gcse/english-literature/of-mice-and-men/study/key-contexts-themes/03010200_key-themes
FAQs
What happens at the end of “Of Mice and Men”?
At the end of the novel, George makes the difficult decision to shoot his friend Lennie in the back of the head to spare him from a potentially brutal death at the hands of Curley.
Why does George shoot Lennie?
George shoots Lennie as an act of mercy. He believes it is better for Lennie to die quickly and painlessly at his hands rather than facing a more violent and vengeful death inflicted by others.
What leads to the ending of “Of Mice and Men”?
Prior to the ending, Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife, which sets off a search for him by the other men on the ranch. Lennie’s intellectual limitations and his inability to control his own strength contribute to this tragic event.
Is George’s decision to kill Lennie justified?
The justification for George’s decision is a matter of interpretation and debate. While some argue that it is an act of mercy and protection, others question the morality of taking another person’s life, regardless of the circumstances.
What are the moral implications of the ending?
The ending of “Of Mice and Men” raises profound moral questions. It forces readers to confront the complexities of personal agency, the value of human life, and the limits of compassion in extreme situations.
How does the ending impact the themes of the novel?
The ending reinforces several key themes in the novel, including human fragility, vulnerability, dreams and reality, pessimism or optimism, protest and racial prejudice, loneliness, and the nature of relationships.
What does the ending suggest about the characters’ dreams?
The ending suggests that the characters’ dreams of a better life and a sense of belonging are ultimately shattered by the harsh realities of their circumstances. It highlights the challenges and limitations of pursuing one’s aspirations in a world full of obstacles.
How does the ending contribute to the overall impact of the novel?
The ending of “Of Mice and Men” leaves a lasting impact on readers, evoking a range of emotions and eliciting reflection on moral dilemmas, the fragility of human existence, and the complexities of friendship and sacrifice.