Mercy can be difficult to distinguish. It 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 are traveling to a new ranch for work. Lennie is large, well built, hard working but mentally disabled. He depends a lot on his friend George. George is small, wise and witty but very short-tempered. Together the two dream of owning a farm together. At the new ranch Lennie gets into trouble by killing the boss's daughter-in-law. He runs away, meanwhile the rest of the people on the ranch learn of Lennie's actions and decide to find and kill him. George knows where Lennie is and sets out 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 how to keep Lennie alive. He has never understood things the way “normal” people understand them. He is like a giant child, incapable of making decisions on his own and pure of heart. George is wise and witty, fully capable, yet remains close to Lennie regardless. “…if I were alone I could live so easily. I could get a job and work without problems. George expresses his frustration at how much trouble Lennie has caused him. And as if he hadn't been with Lennie he would have had a simple life and wouldn't have had any problems. However, when Lennie asks George if he should leave, George says no. This is because he takes care of Lennie despite how much work he has. This means that George would now have the option to kill Lennie if he thought I wouldn't be his best and only chance. He always took care of him and knew that if Lennie went to live on his own he wouldn't be able to do it