Death Of Candy's Dog In Of Mice And Men By John Steinbeck

The Death of Candy’s dog is one of the most important and significant events in the book, ‘Of Mice and Men.’ The Dog and Candy share many similarities, both being old, frail, and weak. This book is set in the 1930s, around the time of America’s Great Depression. This had many impacts on the country and people as Steinbeck demonstrates in the novel.

One of the impacts of the Great Depression was that people were inexperienced with companionship. This effect foreshadows many characters in the book, “Candy, you can have anyone the pups you want.” This sentence reveals Slim’s and the ranch workers' lack of understanding of Candy’s relationship with his dog. By saying this Slim is suggesting that it isn’t seen as useful and can just be replaced

Despite this he doesn't get any sympathy or support from the other labourers,“Candy looked for help from face to face.” This highlights an extreme lack of character from the other men. Following this, he then aims to put it off, “Maybe tomorrow,” but eventually gives in. Demonstrating how many people in the Great Depression couldn’t afford to worry about other people and their problems. Few could afford to be kind or noble, giving up their time to look after the old or the weak out of kindness. Candy’s dog is described to have many similar features to himself, being old, frail, and not useful on the ranch. When Slim tells Carlson “I wisht somebody'd shoot me if I get old an' a cripple.” This quotation directly correlates to the old man. Slim has a massive authority over the candy and making this claim reminds him he has no use on the ranch. Candy’s fears are represented through the death of the dog, he fears he will soon reach a point when he is no longer useful on the ranch and therefore no longer welcome. Candy and his dog parallel the relationship between George and Lennie. Like candy’s dog, Lennie depends on George to take care of him. Candy, like George, is different from the other ranchers because they have companions and are devoted and loyal to him. When his dog is suggested to be put out of its misery Candy abdicates the responsibility and tells George later on that he,

The first noticeable technique is shown in the repetition of the word “silence,” the last example describes the silence to “Come into the room,” straight after Carlson had left. The use of personification creates a haunting effect on the silence as if it is alive. As the bunkhouse is very noisy, the sudden fall of this “silence” creates tension between the characters. Aswell as this, once the decision has been made the uncomfortable silence makes the big bunkhouse feel small and claustrophobic. During this time, some of the men try to break the silence hovering over the room, “Bet lennie’s right out there with his pup.” George attempts to create conversation, however, the aftermath of the decision causes him to gather no response from the