Through the use of symbols and language, Steinbeck emphasizes the importance of companionship and the harshness of the real world. In the book Of Mice and Men, the characters learn of the predatory nature of the human existence and that having someone by your side throughout this constant pressure makes it a lot easier. Steinbeck repeats symbols and creates parallels while writing in a straightforward, unpretentious way to express these themes. Within the book, Steinbeck shows us the loneliness of the men on the ranch and how much they all strive to have a brotherly relationship with one another. We see this through the symbol of George and Lennie’s farm. Candy is drawn to the farm and offers to help pay for it, even Crooks hopes that the boys will allow him a spot on the land.This men wish to live together with each other's best interests in mind rather than spend the rest of their days lonely. “George half-closed his eyes. "I gotta think about that. We was always gonna do it by ourselves." Candy interrupted him, "I'd make a will an' leave my share to you guys in case I kick off, 'cause I ain't got no relatives or nothing…" (Steinbeck, 59). Candy doesn’t even have relatives to leave …show more content…
Lennie kills the puppy as he as done before with animals such as mice. Not on purpose of course but because he doesn’t know his own strength. The death of the puppy is a parallel for the fate that awaits him later. Like the Puppy he is innocent and unaware of the things around him that could potentially hurt him. Candy’s dog is more of a warning to everyone rather than just Lennie. Candy’s dog represents life on the ranch when you get to old and have no use, you are inevitably killed off for not being strong enough.Carlson insisting on shooting his dog leaves Candy worried for his own well being because like the dog he is old and frail and soon to be of little use to those around