Final Answer:
George takes a small pistol with him before meeting Lennie in the woods in the final scene.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the final scene of the story or chapter, George makes a grave decision to spare Lennie from a potentially more brutal fate. The small pistol that George takes with him becomes a symbol of the tragic and inevitable conclusion to their companionship. The decision to carry the pistol underscores the profound and complex bond between George and Lennie, highlighting the harsh realities of their lives during the Great Depression. This poignant moment in the narrative reflects the harsh choices individuals faced during that era, where compassion and survival often clashed in the face of adversity.
The presence of the pistol also adds a layer of tension to the scene. It represents the power dynamics and the harshness of the environment in which the characters live. The weight of the weapon in George's hands becomes a metaphor for the heavy burdens of responsibility and sacrifice that he bears as he confronts the moral dilemma of protecting Lennie from the inevitable consequences of his actions.
This somber decision and the symbolism of the pistol contribute to the overall theme of loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of a marginalized existence during a challenging period in American history. The scene serves as a poignant and powerful conclusion to the narrative, leaving readers with a lingering sense of the complexities and moral ambiguities that define the characters' lives.