Analysis of George from 'Of Mice and Men'

Summary

The video script provides an in-depth analysis of John Steinbeck's *Of Mice and Men*, focusing on George's moral dilemma in the novel. The narrative explores George's decision to kill Lenny, drawing parallels to euthanasia and the difficult choices forced by an unforgiving world. It emphasizes the harshness of the 1930s social and economic system, which undermines human compassion and success. The video also delves into the broader themes of human nature, including self-destruction, flawed morality, and the inability to achieve perfection. The analysis highlights George as a complex character navigating a world that seems inherently flawed and cruel.

Takeaways

• 😀 The euthanasia of Candy's dog is paralleled to George's difficult decision to kill Lenny, highlighting themes of mercy killing and moral responsibility.
• 😀 Slim is portrayed as a moral authority in the novella, offering reassurance to George and giving legitimacy to his choice to kill Lenny.
• 😀 The moral dilemma faced by George reflects the harsh reality of survival during the Great Depression, where sometimes bad actions are necessary for a greater good.
• 😀 The emotional detachment of other ranch workers, exemplified by Carlson's comment, emphasizes the loneliness and lack of compassion in the world of migrant workers.
• 😀 George's decision is ultimately portrayed as an act of kindness, offering Lenny peace in a world that otherwise offers no compassion.
• 😀 The novella critiques the fundamentally flawed social and economic system of 1930s America, suggesting it is nearly impossible to achieve success or live a good life.
• 😀 The actions of George and his moral struggles demonstrate the complexity of human nature, showing how even good people can be forced into bad decisions due to their circumstances.
• 😀 George's self-destructive behavior, such as spending his money on fleeting pleasures, reflects the broader theme of human flaws and the challenges of building a better life.
• 😀 Slim’s god-like presence in the novella symbolizes moral authority, guiding the reader's understanding of George’s actions and their moral justification.
• 😀 The novella suggests that human nature is inherently flawed, with individuals often sabotaging their own chances at happiness and success due to their weaknesses.
• 😀 The bleak world Steinbeck presents is one where compassion is scarce, and survival often leads to difficult, morally ambiguous decisions.

Q & A

What is the significance of George's decision to kill Lennie in *Of Mice and Men*?

George's decision to kill Lennie is presented as a moral dilemma. It's an act of euthanasia, meant to protect Lennie from a potentially more brutal death at the hands of Curley. It highlights the complex nature of morality in a harsh world, where sometimes a 'bad' action is taken to prevent worse outcomes.

How does Steinbeck compare the situation of George and Lennie to Candy and his dog?

Steinbeck draws a parallel between George's decision to kill Lennie and Candy's regret about letting someone else kill his dog. Candy believes he should have ended his dog’s life himself, and this regret mirrors George’s moral struggle when deciding to end Lennie’s life, suggesting a theme of personal responsibility in the face of difficult choices.

What role does Slim play in validating George's decision to kill Lennie?

Slim is portrayed as a moral authority in *Of Mice and Men*. When Slim tells George, 'You had her, I swear you had her,' after Lennie's death, it comforts the reader by suggesting that George's decision was a difficult but ultimately correct one. Slim’s approval adds a layer of moral justification to George’s action, making it easier for the audience to accept.

How does Carlson's reaction to Lennie's death highlight the isolation of the ranch workers?

Carlson’s indifference, expressed when he says, 'Now what the hell you suppose is eating them?' underscores the emotional detachment of the other ranch workers. Unlike George and Slim, they fail to understand the depth of George’s grief over Lennie's death, emphasizing the loneliness and lack of compassion among the migrant workers.

What does Steinbeck suggest about the social and economic system of 1930s America?

Steinbeck critiques the flawed social and economic system of 1930s America by showing how it made success nearly impossible for marginalized individuals. George and Lennie’s failure to achieve their dream of owning land highlights the systemic barriers they face, suggesting that the economic system is stacked against people trying to escape poverty.

How does George’s character reflect the broader themes of human nature in *Of Mice and Men*?

George’s character reflects the theme that human beings are fundamentally flawed and often act in ways that undermine their own happiness. His self-destructive behavior, such as spending money recklessly, contrasts with his efforts to be morally good, revealing that human nature often involves compromise between good intentions and flawed actions.

Why is George's choice to kill Lennie considered a 'moral decision' despite its tragic nature?

Though George’s choice to kill Lennie is tragic, it is considered a 'moral decision' because it is made with the intention of sparing Lennie from a potentially harsher fate. The act reflects George's sense of responsibility and care for Lennie, even though it involves a painful and morally ambiguous action.

What does the speaker mean when they say George 'destroys himself' by spending his money and visiting cat houses?

The speaker refers to George's self-destructive behavior as a way of highlighting his inability to achieve the dream of a better life. His actions, such as squandering his money on temporary pleasures, prevent him from finding long-term happiness or stability, reinforcing the theme of human imperfection.

What is the significance of Slim’s role as a moral authority in the novella?

Slim serves as a moral compass in the story. His character is presented as wise and compassionate, and his support of George’s decision to kill Lennie provides moral validation. Slim’s actions and words influence the reader’s perception of right and wrong in a world that is otherwise morally ambiguous.

What does Steinbeck ultimately suggest about the possibility of achieving the 'American Dream' during the Great Depression?

Steinbeck suggests that the 'American Dream' is unattainable for many individuals during the Great Depression. The novella portrays the hopelessness of George and Lennie’s dream of owning land, revealing how the economic system and social inequalities make it almost impossible for marginalized people to succeed, especially in such a brutal time.