In the novel Of Mice and Men, Lennie is a complex character who elicits both sympathy and frustration due to his lack of understanding. Lennie's actions, though unintentional, have serious consequences, and the question whether his punishment was fair has been debated since the book was released. Despite Lennie's innocence and mental disability, his punishment in Of Mice and Men was not fair.
Lennie's actions were a result of his mental disability. He has a mental disorder that affects his ability to understand the consequences of his actions. Throughout the novel, Lennie's innocence and childlike demeanor are emphasized, as well as his tendency to unintentionally cause harm. This evidence shows that Lennie's actions were not deliberate, and he should not be held fully responsible for them. Lennie is portrayed as an aloof and childlike
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Given Lennie's mental disability and innocent intentions, a less severe punishment would have been more appropriate. The harshness of Lennie's punishment is uncensored. This can be seen in Of Mice and Men when it says, “The hand shook violently, but his [George] face set and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger”(Steinbeck, 106). This punishment can be seen as cruel because he is shot and was pretty much mauled rather than being arrested or given a more lenient sentence. The severity of Lennie's punishment does not match the level of his capability, making it unfair.
Despite Lennie's innocence and mental disability, his punishment in Of Mice and Men was not fair. In conclusion, Lennie's actions were a result of his mental disability, he was not given a fair trial, and his punishment was excessively harsh. These factors combined make it clear that Lennie's punishment was not fair. The question of whether Lennie's punishment was fair highlights the larger issue of how society treats individuals with developmental disabilities and emphasizes the importance of understanding and