In John Steinbeck's classic novel, "Of Mice and Men," one of the most controversial and heartbreaking moments is when George makes the difficult decision to kill his friend Lennie. The question that arises is: why did George feel compelled to take such drastic action? To answer this question we must delve into the complex dynamics of George and Lennie's relationship, as well as the social context in which they lived. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, it is important to understand the bond between George and Lennie. George takes on the role of caregiver and protector to Lennie, who has a mental disability. Throughout the novel, George constantly looks after Lennie, ensuring his safety and well-being. This creates a deep sense of responsibility for George, as he feels obligated to protect Lennie from harm. Despite the challenges that come with caring for a person with a disability, George remains loyal to Lennie, forming a strong bond based on mutual trust. Furthermore, the social context in which George and Lennie live plays a crucial role in shaping George's decision to kill Lennie. The Great Depression of the 1930s created a harsh and unforgiving environment for the characters in the novel. Jobs were scarce and those considered “different” or “weak” were often marginalized and mistreated. Lennie, with his disability and his infantile nature, becomes the target of discrimination and violence. George is keenly aware of the dangers Lennie faces in such a harsh world and feels the weight of responsibility to protect his friend from harm. As the story progresses, we see Lennie unintentionally cause harm to others, particularly Curley's wife. Lennie's actions result in tragedy, leading to a chain of events that culminates in George being faced with a heartbreaking decision. Despite his deep affection for Lennie, George realizes that he can no longer keep him safe in a hostile and unforgiving world. In a moment of desperation and grief, George makes the difficult choice to end Lennie's life, believing it is the only way to ensure his friend does not suffer a worse fate at the hands of others. In conclusion, George's decision to kill Lennie is a complex and morally ambiguous act that is influenced by a combination of factors, including his deep bond with Lennie, his sense of responsibility as a caregiver, and the harsh reality of the society in which he lives. they live. While some may see George's actions as an act of merciful love, others may see it as a tragic consequence of a world that offers little compassion or understanding for those who are different. Ultimately, the analysis of why George killed Lennie reveals the complexity of human relationships, moral dilemmas, and the harsh reality of a society in crisis. One piece of evidence from the text that supports the idea that George feels a deep sense of responsibility for Lennie is when he says to Slim, "I've been bad, haven't I?" This shows that George is struggling with the weight of his role as Lennie's protector, recognizing that his actions may not always be kind but are driven by his desire to keep Lennie safe. Also, when George tells the story of how they lost their last job at Weed to Slim, he points out that he promised Lennie's Aunt Clara that he would always take care of him. This highlights the depth of George's commitment to Lennie, as he has made a solemn vow to care for him, no matter what challenges they may face. Furthermore, the social context of the Great Depression is vividly depicted in the.