Of Mice and Men Chapter 6: Lennie's Death

Upon finishing the book, I found Lennie's death deeply saddening, but I also thought of the deep symbolism behind his passing. I find it very fitting that George kills Lennie in the end. It's a very sad ending to the book, but it carries deep symbolism.  I sort of viewed Lennie as being every man's crazy dream in life.  All he wants to do is go live on a farm and tend the rabbits.  This idea, of course, is crazy, since this is in the middle of the Great Depression and they are simply farm workers.  However, Lennie pursues it constantly.  Simply put, they are like two parts of the mind.  George represents reason and logic, he is the set of values rooted in knowledge, common sense, and reason.  Lennie, however, represents creativity, hopes, and dreams. Lennie lives in a life filled with fun, while George constantly works through every day, very systematically thinking of his future.  George has to constantly control Lennie's impulses, and keep him sensible and under control. Lennie lets them have fun and enjoy life occasionally. But, if the creative side grows too strong and endangers both individuals, as Lennie did by killing Curley's wife, then the sensible side silences it permanently. George does this by killing Lennie.