Most people have experienced the family tragedy of a beloved pet having to be euthanized due to illness, injury, or old age. This act of euthanasia is often referred to as “mercy killing.” This is part of the lives of a wide variety of people, but it is not always socially accepted when this so-called “mercy” is used on humans. In the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the main character, Lennie, constantly gets into trouble. Lennie is a very large man who has a very underdeveloped brain and has the mental capacity of a small child. Due to his incapacity, Lennie must be cared for by his close friend George. The couple, after having to leave because of Lennie, found work on a ranch as migrant workers. As time passes, the boss's unfaithful daughter-in-law attempts to take advantage of Lennie, and in his excitement and great strength, Lennie strangles and kills the woman. To prevent Lennie from being hanged or tortured, George shoots Lennie in the head and kills him. The book describes that this is a very acceptable action and in the eyes of today's society it is ac...