Our year 10s are currently studying Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Miss Kemal can remember how sad she was when she read the ending for the first time...poor Lennie! Anyway, her Year 10s have re-written the ending of the novel and here is one of the top re-writes from Lydia Kittle:
Alternative ending to ‘Of Mice and Men’
‘Aint you gonna give me hell?’
Georges face was low and sad and full of worry.
‘No, course I aint. I’m tired of yellin.'
George slumped back onto the shrubbery behind. Lennie glanced at him thoughtfully then removed his cap and lay back exactly like George. George sighed. Lennie fiddled with his cap, distorting, twisting it this way and back. Dark thoughts and unsaid words swirled in the atmosphere around them. Lennie dared to break the silence first.
‘er hair were soft’ he said, barely above a whisper. He shivered. George slowly turned his head to face Lennie, but Lennie was quicker. Big brown eyes full of worry, guiltiness and curiosity awaited to be looked at by George.
A pang of guilt rippled through Lennie causing him to look away, towards the cover, a safe haven he thought.
‘I’ll run away, I’ll leave you in peace-‘ Lennie breathed before George cut him off.
‘No you won’t.’
Footsteps sounded in the distance. George shot up in shock. Lennie copied, replacing his cap on his head.
George carried on talking, faintly though. “I’m not lettin’ anyone hurt you, Lennie. I’m not losin you’
Lennie watched intently, heart racing.
‘I’ve gotta get ya outta here.’
George stood, pulling Lennie to his feet. The footsteps were gradually getting louder, the sound of the leaves snapping underfoot, vicious shouts sounded in the air. George walked through the brush, Lennie close behind.
‘Where we goin’ George, where we goin?’ George simply pointed in a rough direction of the little farm they were gunna get. Their dream. Lennie’s pace quickened. The footsteps of the men following, scouring, looking, searching died away with the wind.
A clearing opened, one huge single oak tree placed awkwardly in the middle. Their footsteps falling into unison, the tense atmosphere evaporating around them, sighs of relief. George swung his right arm over Lennie’s shoulders, Lennie did the same over George’s shoulders. The crickets sounded in the early evening, animals start to rest for the night, fresh for the next day. As the two men walked, only the crumpled grass beneath their feet remained behind them.
Aww, thanks for that, Lydia! Well done :)
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