In Of Mice and Men, how are George's actions affected by his feelings of loneliness?

George has grown up with Lennie, who was raised by his Aunt Clara. After his aunt’s death, George makes himself responsible for Lennie’s care, who is unreliable when he is frightened and is a danger to himself and others. George frequently wonders what it would be like to be on his own, which Lennie hears and takes to heart. Yet George cannot bring himself to rid himself of Lennie, as much as he might say...

George has grown up with Lennie, who was raised by his Aunt Clara. After his aunt’s death, George makes himself responsible for Lennie’s care, who is unreliable when he is frightened and is a danger to himself and others. George frequently wonders what it would be like to be on his own, which Lennie hears and takes to heart. Yet George cannot bring himself to rid himself of Lennie, as much as he might say he wants to. As Lennie says, they are there to look out for each other, though George has the heavier responsibility. With Lennie attached, George has to maintain some distance between himself and the other ranch hands, though he does manage to go to town with the others, leaving Lennie at the ranch to look at his new puppy.

When George takes it upon himself to execute Lennie for the murder of Curlie’s wife, George goes about it in a kind, painless way, both for Lennie and seemingly himself. His attitude after being found with Lennie’s body seems to be cold and heartless, yet it is possible that he takes this attitude on himself in order to refrain from dealing with the pain and horror of what he managed to bring himself to do. Steinbeck leaves him on his own, doubtful that even Candy will prove a satisfactory companion.