Examples Of Euthanasia In Of Mice And Men

513 Words3 Pages

Micah Redding
Mrs. Jenkins
English 9
11 May 2023
Loneliness and the Illusion of the American Dream
Euthanasia, the act of intentionally ending the life of a person or an animal in a painless manner to relieve their suffering, is a highly debated topic in society and ethics. The use of euthanasia has been highlighted in John Steinbeck’s novel “Of Mice and Men” through the death of Candy’s dog and Lennie. While the decision to use euthanasia is often a difficult and emotional one, it is important to understand the science behind it and the arguments for and against its practice.
The science of euthanasia involves two main types: active and passive. Active euthanasia involves administering a lethal dose of medication or taking a deliberate action …show more content…

Candy allowed the veterinarian to administer a lethal injection, which was a difficult decision due to his close bond with his dog. Similarly, George’s decision to end Lennie’s life after he accidentally killed Curley’s wife is an example of active euthanasia. George killed Lennie to spare him from a painful death at the hands of an angry mob.
Supporters of euthanasia argue that it is a compassionate way to relieve the suffering of an individual or animal who is in unbearable pain. They believe that individuals should have the right to end their lives or the lives of their pets if they wish to. For example, as stated by euthanasia advocate Jack Kevorkian, “dying is not a crime…people should have the right to decide their own fate.” Moreover, supporters argue that euthanasia is a matter of personal choice, and that individuals have the right to control their own bodies.
However, opponents of euthanasia argue that it goes against the sanctity of life and is a form of murder. They believe that all life is valuable, and that euthanasia is a slippery slope that could be abused by individuals or organizations as a means of getting rid of unwanted individuals. In the words of Dutch ethicist Theo Boer, “It is better to help people live until they die than to help them die until they