Mental Strength
In the last two parts of the book, mental strength became a huge factor. First, with Lennie lacking it, he killed Curley's wife while trying to keep her from screaming. He couldn't understand the situation, so he fell into a disadvantage which lead to him killing her. Next, George found himself in a very difficult position. He "raised the gun and steadied it"(106) at Lennie. He knew that it was best for him to kill Lennie, he just needed to use all of his mental strength. George pulled the trigger shooting and killing Lennie. This was probably the hardest thing he had ever had to do in his life. So, in this case mental strength lead to a double negative in the two parts. It lead to two unnecessary deaths that could have been stopped. This shows that mental ability can really dictate someone's life, and that depending on it is used it can make or break a future.
Philip I definitely agree that it can dictate a persons future. I also feel that Lennie finds it hard to control it. Is it Lennie's fault that he knows nothing and does not know how to control himself, or is it Georges fault for hiding him all this time? Do you think George regrets killing Lennie or do you think he will be able to move on?
ReplyDeleteperson's*
DeleteVery true Phillip! I would also like to add that Mental Strength could have changed the ending of the book. If Curley's Wife had used her mental strength, she would have known to stop egging on Lennie, or at least use it to her advantage. If she wanted attention, she could have played mind games with Lennie... then had Lennie get in trouble. She could've said that Lennie touched her hair, then pulled it, and eventually sexually assaulted her. This is using her knowledge to her advantage, because she knows that everyone would believe her, and not a "mental" character.
ReplyDeleteThen, Curley would get mad at Lennie, causing drama and chaos on the ranch. Henceforth the reason Lennie and George would run away from the ranch, starting a new life. They could've even started their own "American Dream" with Candy and Crooks... running from Curley.
Definitely different than the real ending of the book!