What Favor Does George Ask of Candy?: Understanding a Pact of Mercy
George asks Candy to agree to shoot him if George becomes like Curley’s wife after her accident – helpless and dependent. This *tragic agreement *between the two men is a demonstration of* loyalty and mercy designed to prevent George from having to watch his friend suffer a painful and undignified end.
The Weight of Responsibility: George and Lennie’s Burden
John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” paints a stark portrait of the American Dream and the harsh realities that often crush it. Central to the novel is the symbiotic relationship between George Milton and Lennie Small. George, sharp-witted and resourceful, acts as Lennie’s caretaker and protector, a role born from a childhood promise to Lennie’s Aunt Clara. Lennie, a large man with a childlike mind and immense strength, is utterly dependent on George. Their shared dream of owning a small farm, a sanctuary where they can “live off the fatta the lan’,” fuels their hope and perseverance amidst the brutal landscape of the Depression-era California.
However, this dream is perpetually threatened by Lennie’s inability to control his strength. His affection for soft things, particularly small animals and even women, often leads to tragic accidents. These incidents force George to constantly relocate them, perpetually one step ahead of the trouble Lennie inevitably creates. This immense responsibility weighs heavily on George, forcing him to make difficult choices for the sake of both their survival.
Candy’s Despair and Shared Vulnerability
Candy, an aging ranch hand with only one hand, represents the vulnerability of the elderly and disabled during this era. He lives in constant fear of being dismissed as useless and replaced. His only companion is his old dog, equally aged and infirm. When Carlson cruelly insists that Candy’s dog be shot for its smell and uselessness, Candy is devastated. He reluctantly agrees, but the dog’s execution foreshadows Candy’s own perceived worthlessness and highlights the harsh Darwinian realities of the ranch life.
Seeing Candy’s despair and the inevitability of his own potential redundancy, George realizes that the fate of Candy’s dog could easily become his own. This realization fuels the conversation that leads to George asking Candy for the chilling, yet ultimately merciful, favor.
The Agreement: A Pact of Mercy
The pivotal conversation occurs after Curley’s wife is accidentally killed by Lennie. George, realizing that their dream is shattered and Lennie is now a hunted man, understands that the only possible outcome for Lennie will be a painful and violent death at the hands of Curley and the other ranch hands. However, before the death of Curley’s wife, George asks Candy a different favor.
George asks Candy to shoot him should something happen that renders George completely dependent and hopeless, drawing a parallel to the situation with Candy’s dog. He essentially wants Candy’s permission to avoid a prolonged and agonizing decline should he ever become a burden. This isn’t a direct request for immediate assistance, but rather an understanding that one option George feels he needs to protect himself with is suicide.
Understanding George’s Motivation: Loyalty and Sacrifice
George’s request, while seemingly grim, is rooted in deep loyalty and a profound understanding of Lennie’s limitations and the harsh realities of their existence. He wants to spare Lennie the terror and pain of being hunted down and killed. He wants to ensure that Lennie dies without fully comprehending the gravity of his actions. This act is a profound expression of love and sacrifice, highlighting the depth of their bond and George’s unwavering commitment to protecting Lennie, even at the ultimate cost.
The Enduring Legacy of a Difficult Choice
The story of George, Lennie, and Candy resonates because it explores universal themes of friendship, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a world often devoid of compassion. George’s difficult choice, while heartbreaking, underscores the complexity of human relationships and the sacrifices we sometimes make for those we love. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our own mortality and the challenges of navigating a world that often demands conformity and self-preservation above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly prompted George to make this request of Candy?
The euthanasia of Candy’s old dog was the direct catalyst. Seeing the dog’s fate made Candy more aware of his own vulnerability and the fact that no one would want to care for him once he was too old. This prompted a *realization in George of the importance of having that option for himself *as well*.
Why didn’t George ask Slim, who was considered the wisest man on the ranch, for this favor instead?
While Slim offered comfort and understanding, he wasn’t in the same vulnerable position** as Candy. Asking another ranch hand might not be so believable, but because Candy was just as vulnerable as himself, George sought his approval instead.
How does this request relate to the overall theme of mercy killing in the novel?
The shooting of Candy’s dog, coupled with George’s ultimate act, underscores the theme of mercy killing** as a way to alleviate suffering and prevent a painful, undignified end. It questions the value of life when it is stripped of dignity and independence.
Was Candy actually willing to carry out George’s request?
The novel doesn’t explicitly state Candy’s willingness, but he clearly understands the sentiment behind the request. His own experience with his dog likely made him sympathetic to George’s desire** to have a similar option.
Did this agreement change the dynamic between George and Candy?
The agreement likely solidified their bond, fostering a sense of shared vulnerability and understanding**. It gave them a common ground, further emphasizing their shared disillusionment and the harsh realities of their lives.
How does this request compare to the ending of the novel?
George’s request mirrors his eventual decision to kill Lennie. Both actions are rooted in a desire to protect** someone from further suffering, even if it means taking a life.
What does this request reveal about George’s character?
It reveals George’s deep sense of responsibility**, his pragmatic nature, and his willingness to make difficult choices to protect those he cares about. It highlights his internal struggle between loyalty and the need for self-preservation.
Could George have reasonably expected Candy to actually go through with it?
It’s unlikely George expected Candy to literally pull the trigger. The request was more about seeking understanding and validation**. The reassurance that someone understood his fears and potential future circumstances.
Is there any societal commentary embedded in this request?
Yes, the request highlights the lack of social safety nets** during the Depression era and the desperation of those who lacked resources and support. It critiques a society that often discarded the elderly and disabled.
Does this reveal a sense of hopelessness of George and Candy regarding their dreams?
Absolutely. It underscores their growing disillusionment** with the American Dream and their realization that their hopes for a better life are increasingly unlikely to materialize.
What is the significance of Candy’s offer to contribute to the farm after the death of his dog?
Candy’s offer demonstrates his desire to escape his fate** of loneliness and worthlessness. The dream of the farm represents hope and belonging, a way to regain purpose after the loss of his companion.
Is there a direct response from Candy to this request, or is it implied?
There is no direct agreement from Candy, but his silence and understanding nods suggest that he implicitly agrees** to consider the request. He doesn’t rebuff George, indicating a shared understanding of the difficult realities they face.