Of Mice And Men Lennie Death Quote
Of Mice and Men is a novel written by John Steinbeck in 1937. It tells the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who move from place to place in California during the Great Depression. The novel explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the American Dream. One of the most significant events in the novel is the death of Lennie, which occurs in the final chapter. This article will examine the quote that relates to Lennie's death and its significance in the novel.
The Quote
The quote in question is spoken by George after he has shot Lennie to spare him from a more painful death at the hands of Curley and his men. The quote reads:
"I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog."
These words are spoken by Candy, an old ranch worker, to George after he has shot his own dog. The quote reflects the idea of mercy killing, which is a recurring theme in the novel. Candy's dog was old, sick, and useless, just like Lennie. Candy regrets not having the courage to kill his own dog, just like George has to kill Lennie. George, like Candy, is forced to do something he does not want to do, but he knows it's the right thing to do.
Significance of the Quote
The quote is significant because it shows how mercy killing is a necessary and humane act. Lennie is mentally handicapped and cannot control his strength. He accidentally kills Curley's wife, and George knows that Lennie will be lynched if caught. George makes the hard decision to kill Lennie himself to spare him from a more painful and humiliating death.
The quote also reflects the theme of friendship. George and Lennie's friendship is the heart of the novel. George takes care of Lennie, and Lennie provides companionship for George. The quote shows how much George cares for Lennie, and how hard it is for him to shoot his friend. It also shows how Candy, another lonely character, understands George's actions and offers his support.
The quote has a deeper meaning when read in the context of the title of the novel. The title comes from a line in a poem by Robert Burns: "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry". The quote reflects the idea that life is unpredictable, and sometimes the best-laid plans fail. George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm together is an example of a plan that goes awry. Lennie's death is the ultimate failure of their dream.
Conclusion
The quote "I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog" is a powerful and poignant moment in Of Mice and Men. It reflects the themes of mercy killing, friendship, and the unpredictability of life. It shows how much George cares for Lennie and how hard it is for him to make the decision to kill his friend. The quote is essential to understanding the novel's overall message, and it remains a memorable and significant moment in American literature.
