was it wrong for george to kill lenny

[patsopinion]

Mice and Men
was it wrong for geroge to kill lenny?
and should george been tried for murder?

[PapaBear]

The movie would have sucked, if he didn't (the book, too). Also, it would take away a good running joke from Ron. Therefore, it wasn't wrong.

[prothunderball]

I don't think anyone can judge if that was right or wrong, it was simply what had to done. I mean sure killing an innocent is man is wrong. But saving someone from so much pain is right.

Bottom line, it's not a question that can really be answered.

[JPMNICK]

it was much more humane that letting him stand trial for his life, and then going to jail. he needed george, and george knew what had to be done.

[PapaBear]

Put the entire situation into today's world. They're in a state (like VA) where retards can't be executed...

Would Lenny be found competent to stand trial? If he wasn't, he'd end up in a mental institution, where he might have a nice life. Then again, he might not.

If he was tried, convicted, and sentenced... would he be able to deal with prison life?

hmm...

Pat may have finally posted something that makes me think.

[A.J.]

Yes because only God can take a life.

[Bellyfullasnot]

and should george been tried for murder?

He would have gotten off because he dropped his gun in the restaurant and came outside after the murder.

[sailor]

Yes because only God can take a life.

or the state. in this case it's kinda like an abortion of an adult and very arrogant. very "I know better!"

[SatCam]

yes it was wrong because we now have a booming mice population with no natural enemy

[MadMatt]

it was much more humane that letting him stand trial for his life, and then going to jail. he needed george, and george knew what had to be done.

This is the way I feel too. During that era Lenny would be treated more like Frankenstein's Monster than a human. George felt that was the best option and it's hard to fault him given the circumstances. Hell, Lenny could have been captured and lynched without anybody caring one way or the other (since he was a "retard").

Put the entire situation into today's world. They're in a state (like VA) where retards can't be executed...

Would Lenny be found competent to stand trial? If he wasn't, he'd end up in a mental institution, where he might have a nice life. Then again, he might not.

If he was tried, convicted, and sentenced... would he be able to deal with prison life?

hmm...

Pat may have finally posted something that makes me think.

Bringing the scenario into the modern world completely changes the issue. It was an accidental death, nowhere near premeditated, and Lenny was obviously "special needs." I can't see him getting the death penalty or a lot of hard time, even if Lenny was convicted.

There is a strong case that he would be unfit to stand trial anyway and would end up in treatment.

It is a really good question - I am nowhere near a legal scholar, but I would like to think that the system is more merciful and understanding now.

[Badinia]

Killing Lenny was a gift of kindness and friendship, and probably the hardest thing George would ever do. He freed Lenny from what would not be a pleasant trial/jail/institution experience. And whose fault was it? Lily's.

I'm sorry, I meant Curley's wife's fault.

[grlNIN]

The ranch hands would have killed Lenny the moment they got to him, they weren't out for a dignified justice they were out for revenge.

Lenny=Frankenstein.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Either Lenny was Butchered to Death by the Townspeople or Put to sleep by George. I thought George did the Right Thing

:king:

[patsopinion]

every one is talking about the frankenstien monster and "those times"

as far as just a straight morality question...?

he was lennys best friend but he didn't create him
and even if he did; parents may not legally kill their children

and the murdering party wasn't the "townsfolk," it was george
george killed lenny
the circumstance aside was he in the position to decide wether lenny lived or died or how?
who is he to decide that that was lenny's time?