Candy
Character Traits
Candy, a “stoop-shouldered” elderly ranch hand with one hand, embodies vulnerability and the fear of becoming obsolete. His age and physical limitations make him anxious about his future, as he’s unable to work as robustly as the younger men.
Despite his fears, Candy is compassionate and hopeful. Eager to join George and Lennie in their dream of owning land, he offers his $350 life savings, demonstrating his longing for security and a dignified life.
Key Relationships
Candy’s need for connection shapes his relationships. His bond with his dog, a loyal companion in his lonely life, is significant. When Carlson insists on killing the dog, Candy’s devastation highlights how society discards the old and disabled. The dog’s death foreshadows Candy’s fears of being cast aside.
Candy’s relationship with George and Lennie centers on shared hope. By offering his savings, he envisions a future free from isolation, giving him renewed purpose and a sense of belonging.
Influence on Key Plot Events
Candy’s savings bring George and Lennie’s dream within reach, but this hope is shattered by the accidental death of Curley’s wife, crushing Candy’s aspirations. The death of his dog mirrors Lennie’s fate, reinforcing themes of mercy and society’s harsh treatment of those deemed burdensome.
Emotional Growth and Transformation
Like many in Of Mice and Men, Candy experiences little transformation; his story highlights the consequences of isolation and the grim realities faced by the elderly and disabled. Losing both his dog and his hopes, Candy’s character underscores the novel’s themes of unfulfilled dreams and society’s disregard for those it deems expendable.
Expert Q&A
Why does Candy regret letting a stranger shoot his dog in Of Mice and Men?
In Of Mice and Men, Candy regrets letting a stranger shoot his dog because he had a close bond with his pet, having owned it since it was a puppy. He feels he should have been the one to put it out of its misery, instead of allowing someone else to do it. This incident influences a later event in the novella, where George learns from Candy's mistake and takes Lennie's life before a lynch mob can.
Candy's Character Analysis in Of Mice and Men
Candy, from John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, is an old swamper with a missing hand, symbolizing his diminishing usefulness on the ranch. Despite his physical limitations, he is kind-hearted and seeks connection, shown through his attachment to his old dog and his eagerness to join George and Lennie’s dream of owning a farm. Candy's main conflicts arise from his fear of becoming obsolete and his struggle with loneliness. He is generally amiable towards others but harbors resentment towards Curley's wife and Carlson, reflecting his insecurities and societal marginalization.
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