Mercy Killing In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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In some circumstances, mercy killings can be justified in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. This is demonstrated in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men about two migrant workers, George and Lennie, who travel together during the Great Depression. George travels with Lennie due to his mental disabilities, often causing him to run into trouble. When Lennie accidentally kills the boss’ son’s wife, George makes the incredibly difficult decision of killing Lennie to protect him. George wants to prevent Lennie from suffering at an insane asylum, and from being tortured because he is mentally challenged. Curley vows to make Lennie die a painful and slow death by shooting him in the stomach for revenge. George especially does not want Lennie to feel guilt or unnecessary pain when he passes. …show more content…

After Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife in the barn, Candy tells all the men and the men make a plan to find Lennie. George talks to Slim and says that Lennie did not kill Curley’s wife out of meanness. Slim helps George understand what will happen if Lennie did not die by asking George “s’pose they lock him [Lennie] up an’ strap him down and put him in a cage. That ain’t no good George” (Steinbeck 97). George recognizes that Slim is correct and ending Lennie’s life is the best option. George realizes that he cannot live knowing that Lennie will be taken to an insane asylum and they will “strap him down and put him in a cage.” George knows that Lennie cannot survive on his own, let alone survive in a in a “booby hatch” where he will be locked up all alone. George realizes that suffering in a insane asylum is “no good” and can be avoided. George wants to protect Lennie at all costs. Lennie will experience so much unnecessary pain in the insane asylum therefore George makes the correct decision to kill Lennie

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