why did lennie kill curley's wife
Analyzes how curley's wife provides the most evident portrayal of hopelessness in of mice and men. Fig. Curley's wife, who walks the ranch as a temptress, seems to be a prime example of this destructive tendencyCurley's already bad temper has only worsened since their wedding. However, because of his mental handicap, he doesn't realize his own strength; and, when he panics, he simply doesn't know what he's doing. She is yelling because he is holding on to her hair and won't let go. He was just scared from her screaming and kicking. Describe George's physical features. Earlier in their conversation, Lennie mentioned that George would be angry if he learned Lennie has spoken to Curley's wife. Still, George and Lennie are directly responsible but it's easy to sympathize with them, understanding all aspects of the situation. Explains that crooks, curley's wife, and lennie are all outcasts on the ranch because of their differences. At the same time, Carlson thinks Lennie took his luger, but it seems clear that someone else pocketed it. why does crooks relent in his taunting of lennie? Latest answer posted November 30, 2020 at 4:09:18 PM. In Of Mice and Men, how and why does Lennie kill Curley's wife? In Of Mice and Men, how and why does Lennie kill his puppy? In Of Mice and Men, how and why does Lennie kill Curley's wife? Isolation interacts differently with each character, but ultimately negatively influences each of them. When Curley's wife starts to scream, Lennie covers her mouth because he worries "George'll be mad" and that he won't be allowed to tend the rabbits on their future farm. Mostly the victims of Curley's cruelty were people he didn't like. Log in here. Why do George and Lennie travel together? I swear you hadda. Meaning if he didnt Lennie would have messed up and killed somebody or something, In the novella, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, Georges decision to kill Lennie at the end of the novel was justified. Fig. Even though the action was bad, George decided it was best to kill Lennie to protect him. . What happened to Lennie's puppy? Upload unlimited documents and save them online. He drowns four of his dog's pups because "she couldn't feed that . Throughout the novel, George has been forced to protect Lennie from himself time and time again. Lennie isn't attentive to any of this, though. "In Of Mice and Men, how and why does Lennie kill Curley's wife?" Essentially, Lennie and Curley's wife come together in the barn because both characters have been victimized by Curley. Curley's wife presents herself in a negative way. She starts screaming, and he covers her mouth. When Lennie explains that he likes to pet soft things, Curley's wife reveals that she too likes to feel silk and velvet, and she invites him to feel her hair, which is very soft. Latest answer posted November 19, 2020 at 6:35:21 PM. Purchasing He should kill Lennie because Lennie cannot control his mind because of his mental problem even he did not mean to do the thing that he have done but George might have the better life If he did not have to take care of Lennie and at last if George did not kill Lennie, Curley will shoot Lennie. She told Lennie that she didn't like Curley and that she had had other opportunities to go places and make something of herself, but she couldn't take advantage of them, so she married Curley as the next most likely way to get out of her hometown. Lennie escapes the barn. What does the title Of Mice and Men mean? Of Mice and Men Chapter 5. Lennie was petting her soft hair until she got frightened and tried to pull away. Lennie got himself into trouble when he accidentally killed Curley's wife. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. In the first chapter of Of Mice and Men, what does George say to Lennie about how his life could be better without him? He looks out for him and protects him from harm whenever possible. When Lennie doesn't want to talk to Curley's wife, how does she react? Curley's wife thinks her mother hid the letter from her. Unfortunately, because of Lennies childlike innocence, he doesnt always understand or remember these warnings. He was afraid that George would not let him be part of the dream anymore if Curley's wife got mad at him. Lennie had to be killed because he didnt know his own strength. 1d4chan elector counts > capresso coffeeteam ts troubleshooting > quotes that show george killed lennie to end his suffering. George could not take it anymore, therefore he killed him. When she has Lennie pet her hair, it spirals out of control and Lennie accidentally breaks her neck as he tries to keep her from screaming. A fourth possibility is that Lennie simply wasnt thinking straight. Why does George leave and then return to the scene of the crime? Her hair is soft. Hes even killed a mouse that Lennie was petting because he knew that if word got out that Lennie was capable of killing animals, they would be forced to leave the ranch where theyre currently working. What are two examples showing how Lennie is discriminated against because of his disability in the book Of Mice and Men. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. He knows George is going to be mad, and he thinks George won't let him tend the rabbits. He should kill Lennie because Lennie cannot control his mind because of his mental problem even he did not mean to do the thing that he have done but George might have the better life If he did not have to take care of Lennie and at last if George did not kill Lennie, Curley will shoot Lennie. Accessed 2 May 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania M.A. He almost killed the girl in weed if he had gone any further. She asked him to stroke her hair but then he grabbed in a bit. He knows he has done something wrong but only views it within the prism of what George will think. It was this strange quirk of his that got Lennie and George into serious trouble back in Weed, after Lennie terrified a girl by touching her dress. The same can be said for his interactions with Curleys wife. Overall, Curley's wife was not . Was it an accident? Ever'body knowed you'd mess things up. Analyzes how curley's wife becomes lonely due to social isolation, caused by her overprotective, selfish husband, and being the only female at the ranch. She does nothing wrong, and Lennie kills her accidentally. From the opening section, when George explains that Lennie has a habit of accidentally killing mice while petting them, the novella prepares the reader to view the death of Curleys wife as an accident; Lennie simply cannot help himself. She tries to. Already a member? The quote shows that If George did not have Lennie, maybe he could have a better life more than this because he does not have to take care of Lennie and he can live his life without get in trouble. "I don't want you to yell. What did George do once that made him stop playing jokes on Lennie in Of Mice and Men? When Lennie doesn't want to talk to Curley's wife, how does she react? Who does Candy blame for the death of Curley's wife? for a customized plan. The reader knows that there's no turning back. One of the most controversial questions surrounding John Steinbecks novel Of Mice and Men is why did Lennie kill Curleys wife? Finally, he shakes her and her neck snaps. Good News For The Messi Lovers: Sony Music Entertainment Announces Partnership with Messi for New Animated Series, Supergirl Takes on a New Role: Melissa Benoist as Teela in Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Why Did Snape Kill Dumbledore? Lennie is innocent in that he's naive about the ways of the world. Unfortunately, he does not understand his own strength or how to control his emotions, and this leads to yet another tragedy through the accidental killing of Curley's wife. Lennie accidentally killed his puppy after it: Lennie instantly agrees to talk to Curley's wife. Even though she is married to curley she still seeks attention from other men. He doesnt mean any harm when he does things like kill animals or break things, but he doesnt realize his own strength and ends up causing damage nonetheless. Socratic Seminar Prep - OMAM 1)Record two different symbols and their meanings from this novella. Expert Answers. Latest answer posted November 30, 2020 at 4:09:18 PM. What are two examples showing how Lennie is discriminated against because of his disability in the book Of Mice and Men? Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. We learn about the dreams of Curley's wife. Seeing this as a way to flirt with him, Curley's wife puts his hand on her hair, which is very soft. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Lennie actions continued to get miserable. Lennie is killed by George at the end of the book, for Lennie's own good, because 1) George thinks that Lennie will do other bad stuff, 2) George knows that Curley and his men will kill Lennie anyway because Lennie killed Curley's wife and 3) George is doing it now, without Lennie having any pain or without him knowing this is the end. Without George to control him, he's dangerous. He simply knows that he needs to be careful in the future so that he doesnt make George mad. Brie Bella and Nikki Bella WWE Departure. George Milton took Lennie Smalls life. Curley's wife's death is a symbol of loss of innocence. Curley's wife, ironically. When Curley's wife attempts to console him, she discovers that he likes to pet soft things and allows him to feel her hair. However, any hope for her or Lennie evaporates when Lennie kills her. The others are playing horseshoes. Curley's wife came to see Lennie because she figured out that he crushed Curley's hand and wouldn't be afraid of Curley anymore-he was the most likely candidate for her advances at this time. Curley's wife is portrayed as a lonely, depressed woman, who left her dream of becoming an actress to live a secure life with a rather ornery man. Lennie kills Curley's wife because of his inability to control his own strength and emotions. Free trial is available to new customers only. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. When George arrives Lennie believes George will "give him hell." Lennie is like a mouse whose life is left up to chance. He will also do anything George or what most others would tell him to do. You can view our. This confuses Lennie because he doesnt understand why she would do this if she already has a husband. You gonna get me in trouble jus' like George says you will. When George scolds him, Lennie doesnt fully grasp why he did something wrong. . What quotes show that Crooks is lonely in Of Mice and Menby John Steinbeck? Latest answer posted December 07, 2020 at 5:10:16 PM. He pulled the trigger (Steinbeck 106). Curley is always trying to start fights, so when Lennie, a very large man, shows up at the ranch he tried to assert his dominance. It depends on the edition. Lennie kills Curley's wife because of his inability to control his own strength and emotions. The reason George has warned Lennie against speaking to Curleys wife is because Curley is jealous and cruel, so once again, Curley is the one ultimately responsible for the circumstances that bring about his wifes death. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Who does Curley blame for the murder? eNotes Editorial, 30 Nov. 2020, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/in-of-mice-and-men-how-and-why-does-lennie-kill-162143. I s'pose you're glad. When the others find out, Curley heads the hunt to find Lennie and kill him. Like many of the characters, Curley's wife wants freedom, something she didn't get when she married Curley, unsurprisingly. He snaps her neck when attempting to silence her. Lennie then flees the ranch because Curley wants to kill him for what he did to his wife. Getting Crooks's shotgun, he leads away the men in search of Lennie. Many of the male characters on the ranch feel threatened by her, calling her jailbait because she is flirtatious. She says not to mess it up, though. This incident in Weed foreshadows Lennie's tragic interaction with Curley's wife later in the story. Accessed 2 May 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. A brother 's keeper watch out for them, does what 's best for them, and it 's part of their responsibility because we care for them. joe garagiola cause of death; minoan columns are unusual because the shafts: best vintage brands on thredup; optima biltmore lawsuit. He went and got his hat and coat and the Luger before he joined the men. But he kills her and the dream too. Analyzes how john steinbeck utilizes george, crooks, and curley's wife to present the overwhelming battle between companionship and loneliness. Analyzes how curley's wife copes with loneliness by seeking attention, which can lead to problems for the individual and others. And she continued to struggle, and her eyes were wild with terror. When Curley's wife allows Lennie to be comforted by stroking her hair, he then becomes overwhelmed by the feelings of the moment and begins grabbing her hair too hard. She struggles, and he holds her down, eventually breaking her neck. Do George and Candy still plan to buy the dream farm after Lennies death? Earn points, unlock badges and level up while studying. Basically, the main reason George kills Lennie is to spare his friend from experiencing the torture of being lynched. The passages reveal that although Lennie is mentally challenged and remembers very little he does have a conscience. When she finally comes out and tells him that she wants to have sex, Lennie still doesnt fully understand what she wants from him. Lennies childlike innocence can be both a strength and a weakness. Curley's wife immediately recoils from Lennie's touch. George always talks to Lennie about how fabulous they are when they are together at their own ranch and from day to day I end up with their life in a very cruel way. In the previous chapters, there had always been the possibility that things would be okay. Lennie does a little confiding of his own: he got into this trouble because he likes to pet soft things. Why s Lennie angry at the puppy. How Did Critics React to Of Mice and Men? That George won't let him tend to the rabbits. Lenny actions showed again that he was a tough working person. George felt he needed to stop any further harm from happening to Lennie or. Your email address will not be published. What does she ask Lennie to do? Is Bruce Willis Dementia Diagnosis Putting Strain on His Marriage to Emma? 20% with a dum-dum and a dead dog. The novella suggests that this is how the power of oppression works: not directly, but by creating oppressive circumstances and situations which force vulnerable peoplewomen, the working-class, Black people, and disabled peopleto hurt each other when they are at their weakest. Mice -- Lennie killed mice that his Aunt Clara gave him when he was a child. This adds extreme tension to the story. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Essential Quotes by Character: Lennie Small. He has done many thing that make George get into trouble and It is better if Lennie has to die because of George shoot him not the other. However, the most likely explanation is that he did it in self-defense or to protect George. Who does Carlson think has stolen his Luger pistol? They sit together while Curley's wife talks about how she could have been a movie star if only her mother had allowed it. They could 've just let him go to jail but he would suffer. The slaying of Curley's wife is not a mercy killing, but it's interesting that it resulted in some kind of peace. Subscribe now. Curleys wife had been coming on to him for days, despite his repeated attempts to rebuff her advances. Throughout the novel, George has been Lennies only friend and protector; without George, Lennie would be lost. One could argue that Curley's neglect and poor treatment of his wife encouraged her to seek out companionship in the other ranchers; and this is what led to Curley's wife being with Lennie in the first place. The cause for much of the pain in the novella is Lennie. ", (John Steinbeck, 1973, p.58), this really impacted Georges decision on giving someone else the ability to shoot him. Of Mice and Men Chapter 5 - Key Takeaways. In response, Slimwho is presented as a godlike source of moral authoritydecrees that Lennie aint mean, solidifying Lennies innocence. The dream is over. He is like a child and therefore, his guardian (or parent) should not have allowed him to be in such a situation where something like this might happen. Thats a thing I want ya to know (Steinbeck 106). The men thinks that she is nasty. When she came into the barn, she was brandishing a deadly weapona broken bottleand she was clearly intent on doing him harm. He pets it in frustration. Aside from wearisome wives, Of Mice and Men offers limited, rather misogynistic, descriptions of women who are either dead maternal figures or prostitutes. This is largely due to his intellectual disability, which makes it difficult for him to understand other people or anticipate the consequences of his actions. The time when Lennie killed a small mouse foreshadowed similar upcoming events. Continue to start your free trial. Secondly, his relationship with George serves as a key motivation for why he killed Curleys wife; because George told him multiple times not to interact with her, Lennie may have felt like he was doing something wrong by even speaking to her which ultimately led to tragic consequences when they struggled over whether or not she would tell anyone about their conversation.. Understanding these motivations helps us to see Lennie not as a villain but as a victim of circumstance who acted out of confusion and fear rather than malice or intent. Later, Curleys wife lets down her guard alone with Lennie in the barn, talking to him about her broken dreams, eventually trusting Lennie to touch her hair and dying tragically in her moment of vulnerability. Hes gonna be mad. Curley's wife is the only female character who is directly featured in the novel. Why Did Ty Leave Heartland Know The Exact Reason? Latest answer posted December 31, 2020 at 3:22:45 PM. Interestingly, Steinbeck never gives Curley's wife a name, and no one asks. He starts messing up her hair, tangling it. She's happy about what he did because she doesn't like Curley or this place. George is that guardian and this makes him partially responsible for Curley's wife's death. Latest answer posted December 07, 2020 at 5:10:16 PM. In the end, Curley's wife . Latest answer posted December 21, 2017 at 8:49:36 PM. You begin to see how Lennie needs George more than George needs Lennie. Another possibility is that Lennie wanted to protect George. Wed love to have you back! Lennie is dead. When she discovers Lennie's affinity for petting soft things, she does not take into account Lennie's strength or inability to control his emotions, which is not her fault. Only George, by retelling his dreams about the farm, could spare Lennie from such a fate, and let him die as he lived: blissfully ignorant. The Life & Times of Thomas K.R. His goals never to be achieved. Explains that after lennie killed curley's wife he fled from the ranch to his and george's safe spot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She is yelling because he is holding on to her hair and won't let go. He shook her then, and he was angry with her.". As evidenced by the events of Chapter 6, Curleys men were able to independently get near Lennie, and were likely to approach him even without George as the shouts of men got louder and louder. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. However when Curley's wife was killed no one mourned, no one was sad. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. Stop procrastinating with our study reminders. She simply felt like she was doing the right thing and pleasing Lennie, only to end up dead. In Chapter 1, what does George tell Lennie to do if he gets in trouble at their new job site in Of Mice and Men? Why didn't Curley's wife become a movie star? For a man with such a low IQ, this must have been incredibly confusing and scary. While some readers may see Lennie as nothing more than a brute, there is actually some motivation behind his actions in Of Mice and Men. Firstly, its important to understand that Lennie is not in full control of his mental faculties which leads him to act impulsively without understanding the consequences of his actions. What Led the Bella Twins to Leave WWE After 17 Years. George had done the right thing. What are the powers and the weakness of Deadpool. Curley takes an immediate dislike to Lennie because Lennie is so much bigger than he is. Unfortunately, in his confusion and panic, he ends up breaking her neck and killing her. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! When she begins yelling out in pain, Lennie begins covering her mouth and shaking her violently, leading to her neck breaking. Throughout the story The Scarlet Ibis, Brother was always disappointed by Doodle no matter how hard Doodle tried. Why did Lennie kill Curley's wife? Create and find flashcards in record time. Is death the only real peace? Secret Between Dumbledore & Snape. On the other hand, Of Mice and Men argues that it is not a specific person who is to blame for Curleys wifes death, but the isolation and fear imposed by the harsh conditions of migrant working. I shouldnt of did that. He can't stop thinking about what to do with the dead puppy in order to get George's approval to tend the rabbits. Latest answer posted September 11, 2016 at 11:37:59 AM. Thas what he said.. He may have been confused about what was happening and acted without thinking through the consequences of his actions. When Curleys wife threatened Georges safety, Lennie may have felt he had no choice but to act. So, Lennie pets Curley's wife's hair. He tells the body of Curley's wife that she shouldn't be sleeping in the barn, only to realize she's dead. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). The second is of a giant rabbit, which some critics have said is symbolic of Lennie's animalistic nature, but also reflects his obsession with petting soft things. He is only shaking her like that because he wants her to stop yelling. She may be lonely; she may be happy to sit down and pour her heart out to Lennie; but that's about as far as she's prepared to go. Why does Curley wear a glove on one hand? Examination of Lennie's Mental Capacity and Potential Danger to Society. Curley's wife is not this. Lenny then gets overwhelmed by the experience, grabs her hair too hard, and makes Curley's wife upset. The responsibility belongs to Lennie and George. What weapon does Curley take to hunt Lennie? First, Curley's wife insists on talking with Lennie even after he warns her that he "ain't supposed to" because "George's scared [he'll] get in trouble." However Lennie is going to die in someday and It is better choice if Lennie gets killed by George not the other, In the book Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck, I believe that George did make the right decision to shoot Lennie, because of the relationship that they had.