This is a great question. George is an unusual character in Steinbeck's novel in that he has a measure of humanity when it comes to Lennie and is the only one truly devoted to him. He has been with Lennie through some pretty rough events (the girl in the red dress being one mentioned in the book, but surely there have been other incidents), and he alone gives Lennie the mercy he deserves at the end. George could have abandoned Lennie at any time. But he didn't. Candy wouldn't have released Lennie (look at his actions with his beloved dog). Slim more than likely wouldn't have been able to protect Lennie, no matter how Jesus-like Steinbeck makes him out to be. Only George possessed the love required to take Lennie out to protect him from the horrors that would have descended upon him if Curly had gotten to him first. George is Lennie's only family and his only true friend.
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