Mercy can be difficult to distinguish. This is not something that can be taught but rather demonstrated. The theme of mercy is evident in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Of Mice and Men is about two men, George Milton and Lennie Small. The two go to a new ranch for work. Lennie is big, tall, hardworking but mentally handicapped. He depends a lot on his friend George. George is small, wise and witty, but he is very angry. Together, the two dream of owning a farm together. At the new ranch, Lennie gets into trouble by killing the boss' daughter-in-law. He runs away, meanwhile the rest of the people on the ranch become aware of Lennie's actions and set out to find and kill him. George knows where Lennie is and goes to see him. Lennie is scared and asks George to tell him about their dream ranch. As George tells Lennie about his dream ranch, he tells Lennie to look across a river to "imagine" the ranch. As Lennie imagines his dream ranch, George pulls out a gun and shoots Lennie in the back of the head. George knew he had to keep Lennie alive. He had never understood things like “normal” people. He is like a giant baby, incapable of making any decisions himself and whose heart is pure. George is wise and witty and is quite capable himself, but he stays with Lennie regardless. “…if I was alone, I could live so easily. I could go get a job and work, no problem. George expresses his frustration at the problems Lennie is causing him. And how, if he wasn't with Lennie, he would have a simple life and no problems. However, when Lennie asks George if he should leave, George says no. This is because he cares about Lennie despite how much work he is. The means George would have now, even if killing Lennie if he thought I wouldn't be the best and only option for him. He always cared about him and knew that if Lennie went to live alone, he wouldn't be able to