Importance Of Relationships In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

It is a wonder what a gift one can offer by simply being by another’s side. There are times, both in joy and suffering, where the treasure of support is deeply longed for or taken for granted. In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, some of the characters have the great luxury of having just one person alongside them which carries a sense of comfort unimaginable by others. Candy fears the thought of losing the last being he loves, which stops him from focusing on the present situation putting his dog out of its misery, which is something he cannot do. George, a man whose life is constantly in flux, leans on Slim for support with all the change in his life. Lennie and George, a duo that was inseparable, always looked out for one another, always trying to do what is best for the other. Within all these relationships, Steinbeck illustrates the necessity of having a strong relationship with others but also the immense responsibility that comes along with that relationship.

Some animals can sense emotions which is the reason why pets, especially a dog, can be a man’s best friend. Candy, the old swamper, does not have many friends left in his life but he has his dog, who he treats as if it were family. Candy has raised his dog since it was a puppy and has grown attached and loves his dog like no one else. Now as the years have passed, Candy’s dog has many disabilities, just holding on to its life. Carlson soon offered a swift and painless end to his dog’s life, “He wouldn’t feel nothing... He wouldn’t even quiver.” (Steinbeck 45), but Candy is hesitant of the offer but does not have the courage to argue otherwise. Candy soon felt the guilt of leaving his only family left in the hands of a stranger and later regretted his inability to act, “I ought to have shot that dog myself,” (61), not being able to give his dog the love and mercy that it