Of Mice And Men Curley's Wife Death Analysis

It is said that Lennie causes the tragic ending of the book and that it is his own fault for killing the puppy, Curley’s wife, and for getting himself killed. However, you cannot blame someone for something they have no control over. Lennie didn’t do any of those things with the intention of a bad outcome. It is proven that it is not Lennie’s fault because of the effect Curley’s wife’s persistence has on him, the temptation she forced on him, and the fact that Lennie knows the differences between right and wrong. Although Lennie is accused of being the cause of Curley’s wife’s death, the dialogue between these two characters in chapter five shows Curley’s wife is equally to blame. The reader can see in this chapter, Lennie tried very hard to get rid of Curley’s wife because he knew she would cause him trouble. The book states, “Lennie glared at her. ‘George says I ain’t to have nothing to do with you-talk to you or nothing.’” (Steinbeck 86). This quote is one of seven attempts Lennie made to try and get Curley’s wife to leave. Had she just left when Lennie asked her to, nothing would have ever happened to her. She is so persistent on staying even though it is clear to her Lennie has a mental illness and

The argument is made that Lennie’s inability to control himself is what cause the death of Curley’s wife and even his own death. However, throughout the book the reader can see Lennie can control himself it is only when he is put into situations that give him pleasure, like petting soft things such as hair, that he acts incorrectly. In chapter five the book states “‘... But mine is soft and fine. ‘Course I brush it a lot. That makes it fine. Here-feel right here.’” (Steinbeck 90). Before this quotation, Curley’s wife knew Lennie enjoyed petting soft things like the puppy and she saw how Lennie accidentally mistreated the