Give reasons that both suport and oppose George's shooting of Lennie in "Of Mice and Men."Regarding George's actions at the end of the novel, make...

The act in question would be shooting Lennie.  It is one
of the most discussed elements in the novel.  I think that the case that lays itself out
as to why George "had to do" what he did would revolve around the idea of protecting
Lennie from the mob led by Curley and Carlson.  George understood that this group did
not seek to find Lennie and ask him what happened.  He understood that they meant to
kill him.  In this light, George had to assume the role of protectorate because of his
commitment to take care of Lennie.  Leaving him to the devices of the mob would not be
taking care of him.  Another rationale that could go in the column detailing support of
his actions would be that it is much more compassionate for George to kill him with
Lennie's dream of the farm intact and in his mind as he dies.  There is a humanism
present in the taking of Lennie's life.  George repeats that he is not angry with him,
and almost comforts him in giving him some dignity before he dies.  On the other side of
the ledger, the reasons in the column that critiques George's action might involve that
if George was loyal to Lennie, he would help him escape out of Salinas and go back to
life on the road.  George's actions in helping him escape would help both of them resist
the mob and would go very in proving that George and Lennie are inseparable,
representing the family unit to the other.  Another line of logic that would critique
George's actions would involve suggesting how easy it is for George to be rid of
Lennie.  His actions could be seen through a lens of self interest and expediency.  In
this, I think that some criticism could be offered.