Who Is Candy in Of Mice and Men? Understanding the Aged Swamper
Candy is an aged ranch hand in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. He represents the vulnerability and fear of the elderly and disabled during the Great Depression, facing economic insecurity and social marginalization on the harsh landscape of California’s agricultural industry. He desperately clings to the dream of owning land with George and Lennie, hoping to secure a future free from the threat of being cast aside.
Introduction: The Significance of Candy in Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a poignant exploration of the American Dream, friendship, and the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. Among the memorable characters that populate this novella, Candy stands out as a symbol of aging, vulnerability, and the desperate need for security. His presence is crucial to understanding the novella’s themes and the pervasive sense of hopelessness that hangs over the lives of the ranch hands.
Candy’s Physical Condition and Its Implications
Candy’s most defining characteristic is his physical disability. He lost a hand in a ranch accident and is now relegated to the role of a swamper, an aging handyman. This injury makes him feel insecure and useless, reflecting the societal bias against those deemed unproductive or physically flawed.
- His disability directly impacts his economic worth.
- It highlights the lack of safety nets for injured workers.
- It underscores the ranch hands’ general disposability.
Candy’s aged and infirm dog mirrors his own condition. The dog, once useful for herding sheep, is now old and smells bad, prompting Carlson to suggest it be put down. Candy’s reluctance to let the dog go reflects his fear of suffering a similar fate: being discarded once he’s no longer useful. This foreshadows the tragic events later in the story and reinforces the theme of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of loss.
Candy’s Role in the Dream of Owning Land
Candy overhears George and Lennie discussing their dream of owning a small farm, a haven where they can be self-sufficient and escape the harsh realities of ranch life. He immediately sees an opportunity for himself and offers his life savings ($350) to join them.
- Candy’s money significantly contributes to the feasibility of the dream.
- He becomes emotionally invested in the plan.
- The dream offers him hope and a sense of purpose.
The dream becomes a shared aspiration, providing Candy with a sense of belonging and the promise of a secure future. However, the tragic ending underscores the fragility of dreams and the crushing power of reality.
Candy’s Relationship with Other Characters
Candy’s relationships with the other characters reveal different facets of his personality and his role within the ranch community. He initially bonds with George and Lennie over the dream, creating a sense of camaraderie. His interaction with Curley’s wife reveals a degree of shared isolation. His experience on the ranch is long and he is seen as a fixture in its daily life, something that makes his potential displacement more disturbing.
His relationship with Carlson is particularly significant because Carlson is the one who convinces Candy to let him shoot his dog. This incident foreshadows Lennie’s fate and highlights the callousness of some of the ranch hands.
Candy as a Symbol of the Vulnerable
Candy serves as a poignant symbol of the vulnerable members of society, particularly the elderly and disabled. His experiences highlight the challenges faced by those who are deemed unproductive or expendable. He represents the human cost of the economic hardship and social Darwinism prevalent during the Great Depression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Candy called Candy?
The origin of Candy’s name is never explicitly revealed in the novella. While it might seem like a simple nickname, some literary critics suggest it could be a subtle allusion to the superficial sweetness that masks the bitterness of his reality. He is a sweet man but in an environment that offers little actual comfort.
What is Candy’s relationship with his dog?
Candy’s dog is his closest companion and a symbol of his own aging and declining usefulness. He’s had the dog since the dog was a pup. He is deeply attached to the dog and resists the pressure from Carlson to have it killed, fearing he will soon face a similar fate.
How does Candy contribute to George and Lennie’s dream?
Candy’s offer of his life savings, $350, makes the dream of owning a farm more tangible and believable. This contribution significantly increases the chances of actually purchasing the land, fueling the hope of all three men.
What does Candy’s fear of being fired reveal about the time period?
Candy’s fear reveals the precarious economic situation during the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, and the elderly and disabled were particularly vulnerable to unemployment. There was a lack of a social safety net, making the prospect of losing a job terrifying. Ageism and ableism were prevalent forces.
How does Candy react to Lennie’s death?
Candy is devastated by Lennie’s death. He understands that the dream of owning a farm is now unreachable. His despair is palpable, and he directs his anger at Curley’s wife, realizing that her death was the catalyst for the destruction of their hopes.
Why is Candy described as a “swamper?”
The term “swamper” refers to a ranch hand who performs menial tasks such as cleaning and sweeping. It’s a low-status job, and Candy’s position highlights his limited options due to his disability and age.
How does Candy’s character contribute to the theme of loneliness?
Candy’s loneliness is evident in his dependence on his dog and his eagerness to join George and Lennie’s dream. He craves companionship and fears being alone and forgotten, reflecting a common theme in the novella.
What is the significance of Candy overhearing George and Lennie’s plan?
Candy overhearing the plan serves as a turning point in the story. It introduces the possibility of making the dream a reality and ignites hope within Candy. This moment also foreshadows the dangers of sharing such a dream in a harsh and unforgiving world.
What are some of Candy’s regrets in the story?
Candy expresses regret for not shooting his own dog, allowing Carlson to do it. This regret symbolizes his lack of control over his own life and his inability to protect what he cares about.
How does Candy’s character contrast with other ranch hands?
Unlike the other ranch hands who are more independent and transient, Candy seeks stability and companionship. He is less concerned with freedom and more concerned with security and belonging, setting him apart from the more independent figures.
What does Candy represent in terms of the American Dream?
Candy represents the unattainability of the American Dream for many marginalized individuals during the Great Depression. His circumstances highlight the systemic barriers that prevented many from achieving economic security and a better life.
How does Candy’s story relate to the title, Of Mice and Men?
The title, taken from a Robert Burns poem, speaks to the futility of human and animal plans, and how the “best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men / Gang aft agley [often go awry].” Candy’s shattered dream exemplifies this. He, like the mice in the poem, strives for something better, only to have his hopes dashed by circumstances beyond his control.