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Examples Of Euthanasia In Of Mice And Men

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The Ultimate Gift-Euthanasia Prompt: Defend or challenge the notion that George's act of killing Lennie was one of kindness In John Steinbeck's classic novella, Of Mice and Men, George makes the decision of killing Lennie because he knows it is in Lennie's best interest. His act of killing Lennie is not considered criminal. George has good intentions in killing his companion. George is trying to prevent Lennie from being tortured and from his constant desire to please George and not cause trouble. Additionally, Lennie repeatedly places himself in difficult situations, and as a result, brings George into the circumstances. There is a close friendship between George and Lennie, and George had carefully thought out whether or not he …show more content…

Lennie is incapable of handling not being able to grasp onto their dream and succeed. Lennie is given the reward of death, he dies with hope and euphoria. George wants him to achieve the dream, but the only attainable way is through death. Because of Lennie?s contentment and joyfulness when his death occurs, he died an honorable death. The way in which Lennie died is considered to be euthanasia. George mercifully puts the ignorant fool to sleep while he and Lennie, for the last time, fantasize about the soon-to-come dream. George is encouraging to Lennie and reassures him that they are ?gonna do it soon? (106). What George means by this is that Lennie can escape and reach the dream through death. Lennie visualizes himself reaching the American dream and there is no pain or suffering in his death as he ?jarred, and then settled slowly forward to the sand, and he lay without quivering? (106). George selflessly experiences pain and agony from the execution of his only companion as he knows Lennie is now in a better place. The decision of killing should not be looked upon as criminal. George does not have a cruel heart nor does he take pleasure in killing Lennie. George wants what is best for Lennie and he takes the time to set up a nice, peaceful conversation on a topic of interest to Lennie. He instructs Lennie to ?look down there acrost the river, like you can almost see the place? (106). He reassures Lennie that everyone will treat him pleasingly.

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