How Is Candy Presented In Of Mice And Men

The novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ was written by author ‘John Steinbeck’. During the Great Depression, the “work or perish” attitude many experienced was exceedingly challenging for those who could not be as productive as other workers. This includes Candy: an aging, physically disabled man who is constantly petrified of getting replaced. This essay will argue that John Steinbeck created Candy as an instrument to represent and convey the ethics and morals of the treatment of those who are not as physically able to work because of age, or physical disabilities and the loneliness and alienation which stems from it. Candy is important as it shows the prevalence of mistreatment of people who are not as productive or able to function as well as others

Candy’s lost hand and subsequent physical limitations are a visible reminder of the challenges faced by those with disabilities in a society that often discarded them. Candy's struggles and experiences highlight the discrimination and societal barriers that disabled individuals encountered during that time. As Candy himself acknowledges, "I ain't much good with only one hand. I lost my hand right here on this ranch. That's why they give me a job swampin'". This quote exemplifies how Candy's disability has limited his employment options and relegated him to menial tasks. Through Candy's character, John Steinbeck sheds light on how individuals that were physically disabled were often disregarded and delegated to low-status roles, emphasizing the need for empathy and inclusivity in

As an aging and disabled worker, Candy is isolated both physically and emotionally. He is segregated from the other ranch-hands due to his age and his inability to perform physically demanding tasks such as harvesting or farming. Candy's isolation is further amplified by his lack of companionship. His only companion is his old dog, whose death emboldens his loneliness. Candy's longing for connection and his eagerness to join George and Lennie in their dream of owning a piece of land underscores his desperate need for human connection and a sense of belonging. As Candy expresses, "S'pose I went in with you guys... I ain't much good, but I could cook and tend the chickens and hoe the garden some". This quote highlights Candy's yearning to escape his loneliness and find a place where he can contribute and be part of a community. John Steinbeck’s portrayal of Candy captures the impact of alienation and loneliness that affected many during this era, emphasising the deep human longing for companionship and