Candy And His Dog Of Mice And Men
Introduction
Of Mice and Men is a classic novel written by John Steinbeck that tells the story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, who travel together to find work during the Great Depression. One of the most memorable characters in the novel is Candy, an old ranch worker who has a loyal companion in the form of his dog. This article will explore the relationship between Candy and his dog in Of Mice and Men.
Candy's Dog
Candy's dog is a symbol of the harsh reality of life during the Great Depression. The dog is old and useless, and Candy knows that he should have put him out of his misery a long time ago. However, Candy cannot bring himself to do it, as the dog is his only companion and source of comfort in a world that has been cruel to him.
The other ranch workers are unsympathetic towards Candy's dog and see him as a nuisance. They complain about the smell and the noise he makes, and they talk about shooting him to put him out of his misery. Candy is heartbroken at the thought of losing his only friend, and he pleads with the other workers to let him keep the dog.
The Dream
George and Lennie's dream of owning their own farm gives Candy hope for the future. He offers to contribute his life savings towards the purchase of the farm in exchange for a place to live and work. George and Lennie agree, and Candy becomes a part of their plan to achieve their dream.
Candy's dog represents the old and useless, while George and Lennie's farm represents the new and hopeful. Candy sees the farm as a chance to start over and live a better life, away from the harsh realities of the ranch.
The Tragic End
Despite Candy's best efforts to keep his dog alive, the other workers eventually convince him to let them shoot the dog. Candy is heartbroken, and he feels like he has lost his only friend in the world. The death of the dog is a foreshadowing of the tragic events that will unfold later in the novel.
When Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, George knows that their dream of owning a farm is over. He realizes that they can never achieve their dream while Lennie is alive, and he is forced to make the difficult decision to kill his friend. Candy is there to witness the tragic end, and he is left alone once again.
Conclusion
The relationship between Candy and his dog in Of Mice and Men is a symbol of the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. Candy's love for his dog represents the need for companionship and comfort in a world that has been cruel and unforgiving. The tragic end of the dog foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold later in the novel, and it serves as a reminder that life is not always fair or kind.