Mrs.Kuretich, Mrs.Muldoon
English 2
23 November 2015 “George was quiet for a moment, ‘But not us ‘, he said.” “Because-” “Because I got you an’-” “‘An’ I got you. We got each other, that’s what, gives a hoot in hell about us,’ Lennie cried in triumph” (Steinbeck 104).
Lennie and George conversing just mere moments before the death of… Of Mice and Men, a thrilling novella written by award-winning author John Steinbeck. The story takes place on the loneliest of lonely ranches in Soledad, California during the depressing years of 1930’s. The two main characters in the novella are, George Milton, a babysitter and hardworking …show more content…
“Public opinion polls indicated in 1937 that fully 45 percent of Americans had caught up with Harry Haiselden’s belief that mercy killing of ‘infants born permanently deformed or mentally handicapped’ was permissible” (ProCon). Even though Lennie greatly differs from an infant (physically) he’s still mentally handicapped and based on his serial killings the masses would be in favor of euthanizing Lennie, because almost half the country supports euthanasia. Legally George could be known as a vigilante. “...embodies the following: a social reaction to crime; actions taken by civilians (whether as individuals, or as members of clandestine groups, large crowds, or mass movements) as opposed to government officials; a response that involves violence that exceeds the legitimate use of force in self-defense; an intent to inflict punishment and pain in order to avenge a previous wrong or to deter future misconduct or to incapacitate dangerous persons...” (Encyclopedia). George follows the definition of vigilantism to the tee because he’s reacting socially and avenging a previous wrong. “You hadda, George. I swear you hadda’, Slim said (Steinbeck 103). Even Slim agreed with George on why he had to end Lennie’s life, since Lennie could either be shot in the gut or be caged. So if George went to court and he had Slim to testify for him and himself claiming to be a vigilante- who normally were not prosecuted at all- George more than likely would have escaped legal punishment, making his actions lawful. George, again socially, is warranted of killing Lennie, because it’s justified to kill a murderer. The Bible says “ eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,” (Exodus 21:24). Back then Americans were known as God fearing people. Without a doubt in mind George shooting Lennie would have been the right thing to do.“Now what the hell ya