Setting the scene: in chapter 6 George finds Lennie hiding by the Salinas River after the accidental death of Curley’s wife. Lennie is frightened, holding the dead puppy, and worried that George will be angry with him.
How George distracts Lennie
- George talks to Lennie gently and immediately begins to repeat the familiar dream they have shared throughout the novel — the story of the little house, the land, and especially the rabbits Lennie will tend.
- He keeps Lennie focused on sensory, comforting images: the rabbits, the garden, the idea that they will live together and have peace. He asks and answers the same questions Lennie has asked before so Lennie keeps thinking about the dream instead of the present danger.
- George also tells Lennie to look out across the river and picture the place they will have, calming him so Lennie becomes absorbed by the vision rather than what George is about to do.
Why George does this
- To calm Lennie and spare him fear: George wants Lennie to be peaceful and happy in his last moments. The dream comforts Lennie and prevents panic.
- To give Lennie dignity and a pleasant last thought: by repeating the dream George allows Lennie to die thinking of something he loves, not terrified or confused.
- To prevent a worse fate at the hands of others: if Curley and the mob reach Lennie, they would likely torture and mutilate him. George takes responsibility and chooses a quick, private death instead.
- Because of love and loyalty: George’s actions are motivated by his long friendship with Lennie. He knows Lennie cannot understand legal consequences or live safely after what happened, and he believes this is the most merciful choice he can make for his friend.
- To retain control in a chaotic moment: keeping Lennie focused on the dream ensures George can carry out the act without Lennie resisting or being hysterical, which would make the situation crueller for Lennie.
Significance
This scene parallels the earlier killing of Candy’s dog and raises hard ethical questions about mercy, responsibility, and the limits of love. By distracting Lennie with their dream, George turns a brutal necessity into a final act of compassion as he sees it, allowing the novel to close on both the comfort of the dream and the tragedy of its end.