George and Lennie’s co-dependent relationship parallels the relationship between Candy and his dog. Both George and Candy act as superiors and protectors, while Lennie and the dog cannot take care of themselves and require assistance. Without one another the dependent friendship would not even be possible George is portrayed as Lennie’s “master”. He controls when Lennie speaks and what he says, and is insistent on what Lennie is allowed to do. “George’s hand remained outstretched imperiously. Slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again. George snapped his fingers sharply, and at the sound Lennie laid the mouse in his hand.” (Steinbeck 9). Lennie is described as a terrier, which creates a connection between him and Candy’s dog. Candy’s dog relies on Candy the same way Lennie relies on George to keep him out of trouble. …show more content…
Lennie’s mental disability is the reason he and George are always together, Lennie would not survive without him. Likewise, Candy’s dog is physically disabled. Between the lack of teeth and rheumatism Candy’s dog needs Candy for basics such as food and water. Before shooting Candy’s dog, Carlson says “That dog ain’t no good to himself. Why’n’t you shoot him, Candy?” (Steinbeck 44) Lennie and the dog are also analogous in the sense that they both are not even good for themselves. They cannot function or do basic task without assistance, and really don’t serve much of a