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What Does The Bunkhouse Symbolize In Of Mice And Men

425 Words2 Pages

There are many symbols in the book “Of Mice and Men.” Among them are Lennie and George’s dream, Candy’s dog, rabbits, mice, Lennie’s puppy, Crooks’ room, and the bunkhouse. The dream George and Lennie have itself represents the American dream in general. Their dream symbolizes the protection, independence, and freedom many have come to expect from the American dream. To Lennie and George, the farm is paradise and talking about it makes them very happy. The dream farm is the happiness they have yet find in their lives and a representation of their friendship. It brings Lennie and George together and lures other characters in with the hope it gives them. In contrast, the bunkhouse represents reality and how life can truly be. It is a place …show more content…

They parallel the theme of the strong vs. the weak. They are a source of comfort and love for Lennie. He kills them because he doesn’t recognise his own strength, yet he has power over them because they are weak. In Lennie’s dream, he wants to take care of rabbits on their farm, but he would probably kill the rabbits as well. The rabbits depict the prosperity, hope, and the simple life of the American dream. They also symbolize the desire that some have to be a provider and to take care of something. Lennie also had a puppy, who also illustrates the strong vs. the weak theme and portrays the innocence of some of the characters. Lennie killed the puppy, however he doesn’t really care that he killed it, instead he worries that George won’t let him tend the rabbits anymore. Candy’s dog also represents the the theme of the strong vs. the weak in the novel. The death of Candy’s dog mirrors Lennie’s death. Candy’s dog symbolizes age and the loss of purpose. When the dog was no longer contributing to the the ranch or Candy, it was killed by Carlson. Similarly, Candy is reduced to cleaning the bunkhouse because of his disability and old age. Candy was very attached to his dog, like how many are attached to the notion of youth. However, the dog faces an inevitable end, like the fate Candy and others fear they will

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