Of Mice and Men is a novel written by John Steinbeck that tells the story of two migrant farm workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The novel explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the American Dream.
However, the tragic conclusion is what most readers likely remember. User intent behind searching “how does of mice and men end” is clear: to find out how the story concludes.
In this article, we will provide a summary of the ending of Of Mice and Men and discuss its significance.
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Plot Summary
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck tells the story of two migrant ranch workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression in California. Lennie, who has a mental disability, is completely reliant on George for survival.
The two friends share a dream of owning their own farm and working for themselves. The novel examines themes of loneliness, isolation, and the American Dream.
The ending of the novel is tragic, as George makes the difficult decision to end Lennie‘s life before Curley can have his revenge. This decision is made in an effort to spare Lennie from further suffering and to protect him from harm.
How Does Of Mice and Men End?
Of Mice and Men is a novel by John Steinbeck set in the Great Depression era. It is a tragic story of two migrant workers named George and Lennie who dream of owning their own farm but face numerous obstacles along the way.
In the final chapter, the reader is left devastated as George is forced to make a difficult decision. After Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife, he runs away and hides, unaware of the consequences of his actions.
When the other workers realize what has happened, they form a lynch mob to hunt down Lennie and take revenge. George finds Lennie first and decides that he must be the one to end Lennie’s life in a humane way to prevent him from experiencing further pain and suffering.
As Lennie and George sit down to rest, George begins reciting their shared dream of owning a farm one final time. After he finishes, he takes out Carlson’s Luger and shoots Lennie in the back of the head.
The novel ends with George devastated by his decision and his realization that their dream is forever shattered.
The ending of this novel is a heartbreaking representation of tragedy. It is a reminder of how a single event can change the course of one’s life and shatter even the most hopeful dreams.
Impact of the Ending
The ending of Of Mice and Men has a profound emotional impact on readers. Steinbeck’s tragedy highlights the harsh reality of the American Dream in the 1930s and the fragility of even the strongest of friendships.
With George’s decision to put Lennie out of his misery, readers are left with a sense of hopelessness and sadness, questioning whether the characters ever had a chance at achieving their dreams.
Moreover, Steinbeck’s message is clear – in a world of limited opportunities and widespread poverty, individuals must fight a battle against societal forces and their own personal demons. The ending of Of Mice and Men contributes to the literary canon by portraying a tragic reality of the society, demonstrating the deeper truths about human nature and relationships.
Reception and Criticism
The ending of Of Mice and Men has been subject to much debate and criticism over the years. Some see it as a necessary and inevitable conclusion, while others find it to be overly tragic and unnecessary.
Critics have taken different interpretations of the ending, with some viewing it as a commentary on the harsh realities of life and others believing it to be an indictment of the American Dream.
Regardless of the interpretation, the ending has always been seen as controversial due to its tragic nature. The death of Lennie and the mercy killing by George have been the subject of much debate and have raised questions about the ethics of such actions.
This has led many to question whether the ending was justified or not.
Despite the controversy, the ending has become one of the most iconic and memorable in American literature. It has been used as an example of the tragedy genre and is often studied in classrooms around the world.
Whether loved or hated, the ending of Of Mice and Men leaves a lasting impression on readers and ignites discussions about the nature of humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ending of Of Mice and Men?
Why did George kill Lennie in the end?
What was Lennie's dream in Of Mice and Men?
How does the ending of Of Mice and Men make the reader feel?
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Conclusion
At the end of Of Mice and Men, George spares Lennie from further brutality by shooting him in the back of the head. The dream of owning a farm that the two friends shared is recited one last time before George pulls the trigger, painting a picture of the life that might have been.
This tragic moment highlights the fragility of dreams and the devastating consequences of unfulfilled aspirations. The novella’s ending leaves readers pondering the consequences of their actions and the ramifications of their relationships, underlining the significance of understanding the lasting impact of one’s choices.
