The ending of this story absolutely shocked me. In many stories I’ve read, the ending seems more settling than the ending of this novel. At the end of this book, a series of events occurs that one wouldn’t expect. Lennie accidentally killed his pup, he accidentally hurt and killed Curley’s wife, and George killed Lennie.

    

    Lennie became rather excited when he received his very own pup. He played with his pup as often as he could, but he bounced it too hard and killed it. Once he realized he killed his pup, he became utterly frightened and frantically tried to find a way to cover up his mistake.

    

    When Curley’s wife visited Lennie, she vented her feelings to him, and she had Lennie feel her soft hair. Lennie’s fingers got tangled within Curley’s wife’s hair, she started to scream and fight to get free. However, Lennie’s strength came into effect and Lennie accidentally murdered her. Lennie then tried to hide her body and evaded the scene of the crime.

   

    Once the men from the ranch found Curley’s wife’s demised body in the barn, they went out searching for Lennie. George moved ahead of the group and found Lennie. George told Lennie about the acreage they would own, the crops they would have, and the rabbits Lennie would get to tend. George then took the gun out of Lennie’s pocket, and shot and killed Lennie on the spot.

Microcosm

 The characters in Of Mice and Men all represent different people in society. First off, George would be described as a caring parent. George constantly watches over Lennie, directs him to do the right thing, and tells him stories. On the other hand, Lennie represents a young child. Lennie constantly gets into trouble although he doesn't realize it. Carlson represents the working man. He puts in many laborious hours just to get by. Candy could be described as the stereotypical man of a family. He provides the majority of the money for the farm that he, George, and Lennie will invest in. Slim is similar to the school counselors of today. He cares and talks to anyone without showing discrimination. Curley’s wife signifies those who enter a relationship, but aren't committed. She constantly gave other men “the eye” even though she recently married Curley. Crooks symbolizes the people who are left out, those who are all alone and who have absolutely nobody to talk to.