Candy, the aging swamper in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, is a poignant character whose life embodies the harsh realities of the Depression-era migrant worker. His despair, clinging to a fragile hope, is masterfully portrayed through Steinbeck's evocative language. This exploration delves into the quotes that most effectively capture Candy's heartbreaking plight, revealing the depth of his loneliness and the desperate yearning for something better.
What is Candy's biggest fear in Of Mice and Men?
Candy's biggest fear is undoubtedly being discarded, becoming completely alone and useless. His old age and failing health make him a liability in the harsh world of ranch work. He constantly fears being fired, left with nothing, and facing a lonely, impoverished end. This fear fuels his desperate attachment to the dream of owning a small farm with George and Lennie. The loss of his dog, brutally euthanized by Carlson, serves as a chilling foreshadowing of his own potential fate, amplifying his terror.
How does Candy react to Lennie's death?
Candy's reaction to Lennie's death is one of profound sadness and a crushing acceptance of his own inevitable isolation. While he doesn't explicitly express his grief in a dramatic outburst, the subtle shift in his demeanor, his quiet acceptance of the end of the dream, speaks volumes. He understands that with Lennie's death, his last shred of hope—the shared dream of the farm—is gone, leaving him utterly alone once more. The dream, his sole source of solace, is irrevocably shattered, leaving him bereft and resigned to his fate.
What is the significance of Candy's dog in Of Mice and Men?
Candy's dog represents much more than just a companion; it symbolizes his own vulnerability and impending obsolescence. The dog, old and decrepit just like Candy, is a mirror image of his own fading strength and worth in the eyes of the ranch hands. Carlson’s insistence on shooting the dog foreshadows Candy’s own potential fate – a callous dismissal once he becomes too burdensome. The dog’s death serves as a powerful symbol of the harsh realities of the time and the lack of compassion for the weak and aging.
How does Candy's character develop throughout the novel?
Candy's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout Of Mice and Men. Initially, he's a somewhat cynical and isolated figure, resigned to his fate. However, his involvement in George and Lennie's dream sparks a renewed sense of hope and purpose. He invests his life savings, risking everything for a chance at a better future. The shattering of that dream, culminating in Lennie's death, plunges him back into despair, a despair deeper than before because it follows a period of brief, hopeful optimism. This reinforces the novel's central theme of the fleeting nature of dreams and the brutal realities of life.
Key Quotes Revealing Candy's Despair:
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"I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to of let no stranger do it." This quote reveals Candy's guilt and self-recrimination over allowing Carlson to kill his dog, foreshadowing his own fear of being similarly discarded.
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"I ain't got no family. They's just the boss and Curley and Slim and Carlson." This underscores Candy’s profound loneliness and lack of support system, highlighting his vulnerability.
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"I’d go in with you guys. I got my money saved up, almost enough to buy a little place." This desperate plea to be included in George and Lennie's dream showcases his profound need for companionship and a sense of belonging.
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"Now what I want to know is, how we gonna do about that?" This represents Candy's anxious concern about the practicality of their plan, reflecting his anxiety about achieving the dream after initially finding hope.
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(After Lennie's death) Silence... The lack of dialogue here speaks volumes, conveying Candy's crushing despair and the utter devastation of the loss of his hope.
Through these quotes and his actions, Candy embodies the fragility of hope and the pervasive despair of those marginalized in society. His story serves as a potent reminder of the importance of compassion and the devastating consequences of loneliness and abandonment. Steinbeck's portrayal of Candy remains one of the most memorable and affecting character studies in American literature.
