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Although George is morally wrong, he shot Lennie because he cared about him, and to save him from a society that misunderstood him. Earlier in the story, Candy's dog died after Carlson shot it, and Candy said 'I ought to of shot that dog myself'. So George knew if he didn't shoot Lennie himself he would regret it later, as Candy had. George made Lennie think about their dream ranch, so he died with happy thoughts. If Curley had killed him, he would have died in fear.

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14y ago
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1mo ago

There were other possible solutions for George's situation with Lennie. He could have sought help or assistance from others, such as seeking professional guidance or finding a safe place for Lennie to receive care. Ultimately, George's decision to kill Lennie was shaped by his overwhelming sense of responsibility for Lennie and his desire to protect him from a potentially worse fate.

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14y ago

George didn't HAVE to kill Lennie there were other choices but shooting him would have been the kindest decision for Lennie and other people around him.

George could have tried and escaped the ranch with Lennie (they've done it before, haven't they?) but who knows, the same thing might happen at the next place they decide to work at. I think that in George's head, it is better to lose 1 that you love than countless other lives that could gave been lost.

Another option was to pretend he had nothing to do with the killing of Curly's wife. He could o feigned innocence. This, however, would mean he would have to watch the killing and torture of someone he loved as his own brother. Curly would probably have shot Lennie numerous times before he would decide to kill him; he'd want Lennie to suffer immense pain.

Beside these possibilities, if George allowed Lennie to live, Lennie would probably somehow end up in an institution. There they'd lock him up in a room by himself, away from the outside world. It is pretty obvious that this would not have been a very good choice for Lennie (given his monstrous strength he'd probably break out anyway).

So in the end, you can see that ending Lennie's life quickly and painlessly was the best option for everybody

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12y ago

He shot him because he didn't want anyone to get hold of him as he would have been beaten or lynched by Curley. He knew there was no way out and that he had to do the right thing by Lennie. And with carlson's luger (gun). He got to Lennie before the others and shot him in the head quickly while he told Lennie to look over the hills.

You might compare him killing Lennie to assisted death if u get me as he would of otherwise ended up in alot of pain and George would be helpless.

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12y ago

The point of this scene was not to justify if George had the right to kill Lennie or not. Of course it's illegal, and not right but George did what he thought was right. He knew Lennie very well. Men were going after Lennie to kill him and give him what he deserves, being a best friend George thought it was right to kill Lennie in a manner where it didn't scare him or give him pain. Many different people have different opinions on this, but this is just my opinion of what George did. I think George was right.

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12y ago

Somewhat yes, because if he did not do it then; when Lennie was peaceful and in his own happy thoughts, then the other farm hands would have done it themselves while he was scared and probably felt alone because George disowned him in some ways. But then again no, because he could have taken Lennie to a mental home or run off with him and found a farm like he promised they would someday with Crooks and Carlson so they would not be so alone.

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13y ago

George killed Lennie because if he didn't the others would have. The others would have made it a much more brutal killing for Lennie. George and Lennie possibly could have kept running, but would they run for the rest of their lives? No one could do that and ever be happy. Make your own opinion, but I feel George is justified in killing Lennie.

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13y ago

It was and it also wasn't. George had no choice he'd taken care of Lennie for as long as he could remember and to watch those other men kill Lennie and make him suffer just wasn't going to work so George felt if Lennie had to die it may as well be him to do the job that way it was way less painful. but then again maybe they could have negotiated on what could be done with Lennie in a more considerable manner.

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10y ago

Yes. He could have helped Lennie get away.

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Q: Did George HAVE to kill Lennie was there any other possible solution?
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Why are george and Lennie different from the other guys like us that work on ranches?

George and Lennie think they are different from the other men because most men at that time had no one as they travelled round on there own but George and Lennie have each other.


Why does Lennie kill George?

In John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men," Lennie does not kill George. George ultimately makes the difficult decision to shoot Lennie to prevent him from suffering a worse fate at the hands of others after an accidental tragedy Lennie causes. George kills Lennie out of a sense of compassion and mercy.


What makes George and Lennie different then the men who work on the ranches?

George and Lennie are different from the other men who work on ranches because of their close bond and dependence on each other for emotional support. While the other men are typically isolated and lonely, George and Lennie have each other for companionship. Additionally, George looks out for Lennie's well-being, which sets them apart from the more individualistic and self-centered nature of the other ranch workers.


Why was the boss mad at george and Lennie?

The boss was mad at George and Lennie because they arrived late to the new job in Soledad and were not prepared with the necessary paperwork. Additionally, George and Lennie's close relationship and reliance on each other set them apart from the other workers, which may have caused tension and jealousy among the other ranch hands.


How are George and Lennie different then other ranch workers?

George and Lennie are different from other ranch workers in that they travel together and have a strong bond of friendship. George looks out for Lennie, who has a mental disability, while most ranch workers are on their own. Additionally, George and Lennie have a dream of owning their own land and working for themselves, which sets them apart from the other workers who are focused on day-to-day survival.


Why are George and Lennie different from other guys like us on that work on ranches?

Unlike the other guys on the ranch who have no one to look after them, Lennie and george have each other.


In what ways does Lennie meet George and need for a companion In what ways does Lennie fail to meet George and need?

Lennie meets George's need for companionship through their enduring friendship and loyalty to each other. However, Lennie fails to meet George's need for independence and self-reliance due to his mental limitations and dependence on George for guidance and support.


What makes the men think that Lennie is armed?

The men think Lennie is armed because George tells them that Lennie has a gun. George lies in order to protect Lennie from the other ranch workers who are looking to harm him for accidentally killing Curley's wife.


What link George to Lennie?

George and Lennie are linked by their friendship, which is based on their mutual reliance on each other. George takes care of Lennie, who has a mental disability, while Lennie offers George companionship and loyalty. They share a dream of owning a farm together, which gives them hope and purpose.


What team does George and Lennie go out with after dinner in the novel Of Mice and Men?

George and Lennie go out with Slim and the other ranch hands to a local bar in the novel "Of Mice and Men."


What does crook say that he needs just like Lennie and George?

Crooks says he needs somebody to talk to, like Lennie and George have each other. He expresses his desire for companionship and a sense of belonging, just like the other characters.


What other lie does George tell the boss about Lennie?

George tells the boss that Lennie is his cousin and that they were both born in Auburn.