Decisions In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Everybody can agree that no one likes a pushy person. They believe it is their way or no way, leaving no room for discussion or compromise. Oftentimes, they are stood up to in their lives, told “no” firmly. However, when they do get power, results tend to be disastrous. This is seen in many literary works, where the main character is forced to pass an opportunity or pushed into an unwanted decision. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck suggests that people can be forced to make difficult decisions by others. This is evident when Candy is coerced into handing over his dog, when Curley’s Wife is forced to pass up her dreams, and when George has to kill his best friend, Lennie. Although Candy is one of the oldest people on the ranch, other workers still push him into an unfavorable decision. Carlson persuades Candy into handing over his dog. He guilt-trips Candy by saying that he is not “‘bein’ kind to him keepin’ him alive’” (Steinbeck 45). Carlson further influences him by saying that the dog would not feel any pain, that he would not be hurt. (45) Candy tries to get Slim’s support by looking desperately at the skinner. The members of the ranch look up to and respect Slim, …show more content…
George, at first, hopes that Lennie would only be locked up and treated with sympathy. Candy, however, tells George that Curley would never let that happen (94). When George is sitting with Lennie, he shows moments of reluctance, not wanting to end his friend’s life. Many times, George seemed conflicted or hesitant. For example, “[George] looked at the back of Lennie’s head, at the place where the spine and skull were joined. […] George raised the gun and his hand shook, and he dropped his hand to the ground again” (105). George’s actions show his unwillingness to shoot Lennie. After he pulls the trigger, George throws the gun away from him and stares at his hand, seemingly sickened by what he had done

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