Of Mice and Men Group

Question:


em25
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In Of Mice and Men, was the killing of Lennie justice being served?

This is an essay question I have and I have no idea how to explain this question or what to say about it in my essay.

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Posted by em25 on Sunday October 25, 2009 at 7:36 PM and tagged with characters, justice, lennie.

Answers:

  1. kiwi
    kiwi Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    There is a lot of existing material on e-notes which should assist you to formulate your response (see links below).

    You need to establish for yourself where your boundaries for justice are, and what definition of justice you uphold. If you believe in the premise 'an eye for an eye' then the fact that Lennie has killed a person - Curley's wife - would mean that a similar retribution should be sought.

    However, if you believe that every man has a right to a fair trial, with legal representation and a jury of his peers, then Lennie's death is wrong. You also have to decide if you are comfortable with the idea of George taking 'justice' into is own hands and shooting Lennie as a mercy killing.

    It is important that you are clear on your own value system before you explore the actions of the characters in the novel.

     

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/of-mice-and-men/characters
    http://www.enotes.com/of-mice-and-men/group/discuss/11381
    http://www.enotes.com/of-mice-and-men/themes

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    Posted by kiwi on Sunday October 25, 2009 at 7:48 PM