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   mshurn Teacher
   College - Freshman

   eNotes Editor

   In the dramatic conclusion of the novel, Lennie murders George by shooting him in the back of the head to save him from the slow and agonizing death that Curley intends to inflict upon George. When Curley and the other members of his hunting party arrive at the riverbank after George has shot Lennie, Curley assumes that Lennie had a gun (his own gun) and that George had shot Lennie in self-defense. George goes along with the lie. Slim, however, realizes the truth but does not reveal it. Instead, he comforts George privately, keeping the truth between themselves:

   You hadda, George. I swear you hadda. Come on with me.

   Slim then leads the stricken George away from the terrible scene. By concealing the truth of what George has done, Slim protects him from further inquiry and punishment. To punish George for his act of compassion would be a great injustice.

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   Posted by mshurn on Sunday October 25, 2009 at 2:03 PM