George's Fate: The Burden of Responsibility

Traces George Milton's journey from a hopeful dreamer to a man burdened by the weight of his decision to kill his best friend, and his uncertain future.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

George as Caretaker

The Reluctant Guardian George's Role George is the caretaker of Lennie. He is a small, sharp man who has taken on the responsibility of protecting his friend. He often complains about the burden, but he never abandons Lennie. His life is defined by this duty. The Dream as Shared Goal George's dream of the farm is intertwined with his care for Lennie. The farm is a place where they can both be safe. The dream is a promise to Lennie, and George feels obligated to fulfill it. The dream gives George a purpose beyond the daily grind. The Internal Conflict George is torn between his love for Lennie and the frustration of being his keeper. He sometimes fantasizes about a life without Lennie, but he knows he cannot leave him. This conflict is the central tension of his character.

The Decision to Kill

The Agonizing Choice The Impossible Situation When George discovers that Lennie has killed Curley's wife, he knows that the mob will kill Lennie. He must choose between letting Lennie be tortured and killing him himself. The choice is a moral crisis. The Parallel to Candy's Dog George remembers Candy's dog, and Candy's regret. He decides that he will not let a stranger kill Lennie. He will take the responsibility himself. This decision is an act of love, but it is also a burden that will haunt him. The Execution George finds Lennie at the pool, recites the dream, and shoots him. The act is quick and merciful. But George is shattered. He looks at his hand, the hand that held the gun. He has killed the one person he loved most.

George's Future

The Loneliness Ahead The Aftermath After the shooting, George is led away by Slim. He is silent, staring at his hand. The other men do not understand his grief. Carlson asks, "Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys?" George is alone in his pain. The Loss of the Dream The dream of the farm is dead. George has no plan for the future. He will likely go back to the cycle of work and drink. The dream that gave him hope is gone. He is now just another lonely itinerant worker. The Unanswered Question What will become of George? The novel does not say. He is left in a state of emotional numbness. The burden of his decision will stay with him forever. His fate is one of quiet tragedy, a life of loneliness and regret.

The beginning of the novel

After the death of Curley's wife

The end of the novel