When George kills Lennie, his dear friend and only true companion, the compassion Steinbeck demonstrates is overwhelming. George did not want to lose his friend, but he understands that a quick, clean death is much more preferrable than the brutal and torturous death Lennie would face at the hands of the angry mob. Lennie will die. That much is certain. To have the killing be as painless as possible is definitely compassionate. Before George has to pull the trigger, he makes sure he and Lennie understand one another and his love for his friend, and he gives his friend the gift of their dream one more time:
Lennie said, "I thought you was mad at me George. "
"No," said George. "I ain't mad. I never been mad, an' I ain't now. That's a thing I want ya to know."
The voices came close now. George raised the gun and listened to the voices.
Lennie begged, "Le's do it now. Le's get that place now."
"Sure, right now. I gotta. We gotta."
And as George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie's head. The hand shook violently, but his face set and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger.
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