In the final chapter of Of Mice and Men, the story culminates in a poignant and tragic moment that encapsulates the central themes of friendship, dreams, and harsh realities. The chapter opens in a secluded area near the bank of the Salinas River, the same spot where George and Lennie camped at the beginning of their journey. This setting is significant as it symbolizes both comfort and the harsh realities of their lives.

As the chapter unfolds, George is faced with the aftermath of a devastating incident: Lennie has accidentally killed Curley’s wife. This act, born from Lennie's inability to understand his own strength and the consequences of his actions, sets off a chain reaction that leads to Lennie's dire situation. The ranch workers, fueled by rage and a desire for vengeance, are out to find Lennie, determined to punish him for the crime.

In this moment of crisis, George wrestles with the grim reality of their dreams of owning a piece of land. He understands that the vision they shared is now utterly shattered. George’s deep love and protective instincts for Lennie come to the forefront as he realizes that he has to face the inevitable conclusion of their friendship.

The chapter presents a powerful emotional confrontation as George seeks Lennie, who is hiding by the riverbank. When they finally meet, Lennie is confused and fearful, not fully comprehending the gravity of the situation. He looks to George for reassurance, insisting that he didn’t mean to hurt anyone. In this moment of vulnerability, George reassures Lennie, recalling their shared dreams and the paradise they envisioned. This recollection serves to calm Lennie but also deepens the tragedy of their situation.

As George prepares to make a heartbreaking choice, he attempts to distract Lennie with their dream of the farm, describing the idyllic life they would have, filled with rabbits and freedom. This vision serves as a final comforting image for Lennie, who is childlike in his innocence and longing for a sense of belonging.

Ultimately, George faces the unbearable decision to end Lennie's life himself, believing this to be a merciful act amidst the cruelty of the world they inhabit. In a moment filled with sorrow and love, George shoots Lennie in the back of the head, ensuring that Lennie dies without knowing the pain of the mob's fury. The act is steeped in sacrifice, as George chooses to spare Lennie from a more brutal fate, illustrating the depths of their friendship.

The chapter closes with George’s overwhelming grief and the arrival of the other ranch workers. In this tragic conclusion, Steinbeck encapsulates the themes of friendship and the unattainable nature of the American Dream. The dream of owning land, which symbolized hope and companionship, crumbles in the face of harsh reality, leaving George alone, burdened with the weight of loss and the memory of a dream that could never be realized.