Of Mice and Men
Prompt #9 · Of Mice and Men
Prompt Type: Scene Analysis
In the final scene by the river, George shoots Lennie while reciting the dream one last time. Analyze how Steinbeck uses this moment to explore the complex relationship between violence and mercy. Explain how it contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
Quote 1
“And George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie’s head. The hand shook violently, but his face set and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger.”
Chapter 6
Argument
This quote captures the central paradox of the scene through juxtaposition—George's shaking hand reveals his emotional anguish while his steadying resolve demonstrates the merciful intention behind the violent act. The imagery of the gun 'close to the back of Lennie's head' positions this as an execution that is simultaneously an act of protection from the lynch mob's cruelty.
Quote 2
Chapter 6
Argument
George's reassurance functions to reframe the impending violence as an act of love rather than punishment, establishing that mercy can coexist with—and even necessitate—violence. This moment transforms the shooting from betrayal into the ultimate expression of their companionship, as George ensures Lennie dies without fear or shame.
Quote 3
"Lennie never done it in meanness," he said. "All the time he done bad things, but he never done one of ’em mean."
Chapter 5
Argument
This quote from earlier in the narrative establishes the moral framework that justifies George's final act—Lennie's violence stems from innocence, not malice, making him a victim who deserves mercy rather than the vengeful mob justice awaiting him. George's understanding of Lennie's essential goodness elevates the shooting from murder to a protective act of compassion.
Quote 4
Chapter 3
Argument
Candy's regret over letting a stranger shoot his dog establishes the moral precedent for George's final act—by taking responsibility for Lennie's death himself, George transforms what could be a brutal execution into a merciful act of companionship, refusing to abandon Lennie to the violence of strangers.
Quote 5
"Because I got you an’—" "An’ I got you. We got each other, that’s what, that gives a hoot in hell about us," Lennie cried in triumph.
Chapter 6
Argument
This exchange from the final scene, occurring moments before the shooting, demonstrates how George uses their shared dream and mutual devotion to provide Lennie with comfort and dignity in his final moments, making the violence an extension of their bond rather than its destruction.