John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a literary work that tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant workers during the Great Depression in California. The story chronicles the hardships and challenges the two friends encounter, which leads to the death of one of them.
To answer the question “Who died in of Mice and Men” we turn to the final scene of the book where George is faced with a difficult decision to spare his friend Lennie from the revengeful actions of Curley. In the end, George chooses to take Lennie’s life mercifully by shooting him in the back of the head while they recall their shared dream of acquiring their own land.
According to sparknotes, “In the final scene of Of Mice and Men, George takes the difficult decision to save his friend Lennie from the brutal revenge of Curley. He chooses to end Lennie’s life mercifully by shooting him in the back of the head, while they both reminisce about their shared dream of acquiring their own agricultural land” This poignant scene ultimately answers the question of “who died in Of Mice and Men” while also shining a light on the complexities of friendship and sacrifice in difficult times.
Steinbeck’s masterful storytelling takes readers on an emotional journey, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.
Exploring Of Mice and Men
The Characters of Of Mice and Men
In the novel Of Mice and Men, there are several memorable characters, but the main characters are George and Lennie. George is a quick-witted, practical person who often guides Lennie, his friend, who is mentally disabled.
Lennie has immense physical strength but struggles with understanding social rules and situations. The story’s secondary characters, including Candy, Slim, Crooks, and Curley, provide insight into the time period’s social hierarchies and issues.
Sadly, Curley’s wife meets an unfortunate end when she is left alone in the barn with Lennie.
The Themes in Of Mice and Men
In “Of Mice and Men,” the themes include friendship, loneliness, the American Dream, and discrimination. One important example is the friendship between George and Lennie, which is tested throughout the book.
Loneliness is also an important theme, as many of the characters are isolated in their own ways. The American Dream of owning their own farm is also explored, but ultimately unattainable.
Discrimination is also present, particularly against Crooks, the African-American stable hand. The death of Curley’s wife towards the end of the novel adds to the exploration of these themes.
Who Died in Of Mice and Men?
The Death of a Character
In John Steinbeck’s novella “Of Mice and Men“, the character who died is Lennie Small. Lennie’s death scene is a pivotal moment in the story, and its symbolism and significance have been widely discussed by literary scholars.
Lennie’s reasons for committing the act were due to his inability to control his own strength and his fear of being punished for accidentally killing Curley’s wife.
The scene takes place in a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, where George and Lennie’s long-cherished dream of owning a farm is within reach. In a moment of tenderness, George tells Lennie about their future and leaves him to enjoy the view as he goes to get their supplies.
Meanwhile, Curley’s wife enters the barn and tries to strike up a conversation with Lennie. In the ensuing struggle, Lennie accidentally breaks her neck.
The death scene can be interpreted as a commentary on the brutal nature of life during the Great Depression. Lennie’s death is an illustration of the way that the strong take advantage of the weak.
It also highlights the struggle for survival, which dictated people’s choices during this time. Lennie’s innocence and simplicity contrast sharply with the harsh realities of the world of work and capitalism, which the other characters embody.
In conclusion, Lennie’s death in “Of Mice and Men” is a moment of great impact in the story. Its symbolism and significance provide insight into the complex themes and issues of the time period in which the novel is set.
The Aftermath of the Death
When Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife, it has a profound effect on all of the remaining characters. George feels an overwhelming sense of guilt for not being able to protect Lennie and take care of him.
He also feels responsible for the consequences of Lennie’s actions. Candy, who had hoped to join George and Lennie on their farm, realizes that his dream has been shattered.
Curley, enraged by the loss of his wife, seeks revenge on Lennie. Slim, the bystander who witnesses the entire event, is left to grapple with the fragility of life and the morality of mercy killing.
The themes of guilt, remorse, and accountability are evident as each character navigates their own reaction to the death.
