In John Steinbeck’s classic novella “Of Mice and Men,” the tragic fate of George and Lennie leaves readers grappling with profound questions about friendship, dreams, and the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. The original ending is heartbreaking; George is forced to take his friend’s life to spare him from a more brutal fate at the hands of a mob. However, what if there were an alternate ending? What if George and Lennie’s dream of owning a piece of land could have been realized? In this essay, I will explore an alternate ending that allows hope to triumph over despair while still remaining grounded in the themes Steinbeck established throughout the story.
The Setup: A Different Decision
Imagine that instead of resorting to violence, George decides to confront Curley and the mob differently. After Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife—an act that seals their doom in Steinbeck’s version—George realizes they need to escape before things get out of hand. This time, instead of waiting for Curley and his friends to find them, George takes action. He tells Lennie they must leave immediately for their dream farm in the nearby hills.
As they pack their meager belongings under the cover of night, there’s a palpable sense of urgency but also a flicker of hope. They might not have all the money they need yet, but they are determined not just to flee but also to pursue their dream despite everything that has happened. George reminds Lennie of their vision: “We’re gonna have a little house and a couple acres.” That line echoes with greater significance now as it represents freedom rather than desperation.
A Chance Encounter
As they make their way through the darkened fields towards freedom, they stumble upon Slim—one character who stands apart from many others on the ranch due to his understanding nature. Slim notices them trying to escape in such haste and catches up with them. Instead of siding with Curley’s mob mentality or turning them into authorities as he might have done initially out of fear or loyalty, Slim recognizes their plight.
In this alternate scenario, Slim offers them shelter for one night at his place—a quiet corner away from prying eyes where he promises no one will find them until dawn breaks. Over soup by candlelight, Slim listens intently as George recounts their dreams—the farm filled with rabbits for Lennie, crops growing green under an endless sky—inviting him into this vision instead of rejecting it outright like other characters might have done earlier in Steinbeck’s narrative.
A Community Comes Together
The next day brings unexpected twists; rather than fleeing into obscurity alone, word spreads among some ranch workers about what happened with Curley’s wife. Surprisingly enough though—rather than turning against George and Lennie—a few sympathetic characters come forward offering help as news travels quickly amongst those disenfranchised by society too: Crooks joins alongside Candy after learning about how close these two friends came while witnessing both friendship tested harshly through adversity yet still remained intact.
This formation creates solidarity among marginalized characters longing for something better than oppressive daily existence—it cultivates bonds previously unseen within these isolated men before joining forces toward common aspirations which would ultimately lead towards collective ownership! Each person contributes whatever resources they’ve managed throughout hardship together creating community spirit reflective where once competition ruled most aspects between ranch hands now becomes solidarity born from struggle.
A New Beginning
Eventually gathered together on Slim’s porch discussing plans around pooling finances towards acquiring land—they begin dreaming aloud more freely without fear hindering ambition because suddenly hope feels tangible again rather than mere fantasy! Thus begins forming ‘The Ranch Workers Cooperative’, each taking ownership stake while actively working towards shared goals building up trust forged through collaboration rather than hostility!
This culminates beautifully juxtaposed against previous inevitability showcasing human resilience amid bleak circumstances illustrating how dreams are often deferred but never extinguished when nurtured collectively within supportive environments seeking change together! As spring arrives blooming flowers grow reflecting renewed purpose emanating joy illuminating pathways forward grasping opportunities emerging amidst struggle painted vividly colors enriching lives through labor supporting one another striving hard achieving what seemed impossible moments earlier!
The Final Scene
Instead having been marked by tragedy—the new closing scene unfolds around laughter echoing across fields bright sunshine illuminating faces filled determination striving daily transform reality into something fulfilling—with conversations revealing depth friendships nourished nurturing values respect dignity uplifting spirits unifying lives capturing essence true companionship celebrating achievements realized against odds stacked heavily! In this reimagined ending lingers belief enduring potential exists amongst everyone united pursuing greater ideals shaping futures brighter paving avenues possibilities endless!
Conclusion
This alternative conclusion serves not only as a narrative shift but also emphasizes central themes relevant today regarding communal efforts combatting societal pressures surrounding individualism faced within competitive spaces often overshadow compassion kindness extending hands reach fellow beings discovering shared humanity bridging divides! By allowing characters traditionally overlooked emerge champions crafting inclusive destinies igniting courage community overcoming obstacles endure resounding message resonates loudly “we are stronger together,” especially evident particularly during tumultuous times challenging us navigate paths ahead finding light midst darkness always igniting sparks hope inspiring journeys transformative living thriving realizing dreams could indeed become reality!
- Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Books, 1993.
- Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman: Certain Private Conversations in Two Acts and A Requiem. Penguin Classics, 2000.
- Baker, Carlos. “The Complete Short Stories.” New York: Viking Press (1980).
- Kennedy Jr., William J., & Richard J., “New Essays on Of Mice and Men.” Cambridge University Press (1998).
