The climactic finale of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' presents George Milton's heartbreaking choice to end Lennie Small's life mercifully, juxtaposed against their shattered American Dream. The narrative explores themes of mercy, agency, and destiny, as George spares Lennie from a worse fate, while reflecting on the nature of freedom and the elusive pursuit of owning land. Slim's compassion highlights the deep bond between the characters amidst the harsh realities they face.
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The final chapter of the novel creates a poignant sense of symmetry by returning to the peaceful nature setting where the story began
Visions of Aunt Clara and a giant rabbit
Lennie's hallucinations highlight his childlike innocence and inability to understand the consequences of his actions
George performs an act of mercy by shooting Lennie to spare him from a potentially violent end at the hands of the lynch mob
The novel explores the theme of mercy through the mercy killings of Candy's dog and Lennie, and the harsh realities of the characters' lives
George's decision to end Lennie's life raises questions about the extent of individual agency and the role of destiny in shaping one's fate
The dream of owning land represents the pursuit of autonomy and fulfillment for characters like George and Lennie
Characters like Crooks view the dream as unattainable, highlighting the skepticism surrounding the pursuit of the American Dream
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Final setting's significance in 'Of Mice and Men'
Riverside setting in final chapter mirrors opening, symbolizing cycle and inevitable end.
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Lennie's hallucinations' role
Visions of Aunt Clara and rabbit reflect Lennie's guilt and foreshadow his fate.
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Lennie's prearranged refuge
Lennie flees to Salinas River spot, as George instructed, highlighting their bond and Lennie's dependence.
