Of Mice and Men: Candy's Dream Analysis

John Steinbeck's novella, Of Mice and Men, explores the dreams and aspirations of its characters, often highlighting the harsh realities that can crush these dreams. One character in particular, Candy, a disabled, aging ranch hand, has a dream that is repeatedly shattered throughout the text. This essay will analyze how Candy's dream is destroyed multiple times, examining the implications of these events and their significance within the broader themes of the novella.

Body

From the very beginning of the story, Candy's dream is introduced as a glimmer of hope amidst the desolation of the Great Depression. Candy longs to join George and Lennie in their dream of owning a piece of land, where he can find a sense of purpose and security. This dream becomes a symbol of escape from the harsh realities of their lives and offers them a chance at independence.

However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that Candy's dream is constantly under threat, ultimately leading to its destruction. The first instance of this is when Candy overhears George and Lennie discussing their dream, and he eagerly joins in, offering his life savings to contribute towards the purchase of the land. This moment offers a sense of camaraderie, as Candy believes he has found a way to fulfill his dream. Unfortunately, the dream is shattered when Curley's wife, in a fit of anger, insults the dream, leaving Candy devastated and questioning its feasibility.

Candy's dream is further destroyed when the reality of his age and disability becomes apparent. The other workers on the ranch mock him for his missing hand and consider him useless. They see him as a burden, rather than a valuable member of the community. This harsh treatment highlights the cruel realities that Candy faces, making it nearly impossible for him to achieve his dream of owning a piece of land.

Furthermore, Candy's hopes are dashed once again when the dream of owning the land becomes unattainable. The death of Curley's wife, a tragic event that occurs due to Lennie's actions, leads to the unraveling of their dreams. The dream of owning land and living a peaceful life is shattered, leaving Candy feeling hopeless and defeated.

The destruction of Candy's dream serves as a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. Steinbeck uses Candy's character to illustrate the pervasive sense of hopelessness and the struggle for survival that many individuals faced during this time. Candy's dream represents the universal desire for stability and purpose, but it is ultimately crushed, symbolizing the bleakness of the era.

Moreover, the destruction of Candy's dream emphasizes the theme of loneliness and isolation in the novella. Candy is portrayed as an outsider, both due to his disability and his age, and his dream is his only source of solace. When this dream is destroyed, Candy is left feeling even more isolated, highlighting the profound impact that shattered dreams can have on individuals.

Conclusion

The repeated destruction of Candy's dream in Of Mice and Men serves as a powerful exploration of the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. Through the character of Candy, John Steinbeck highlights the universal desire for stability and purpose, while also shedding light on the isolation and hopelessness that many individuals experienced during this time. By examining the ways in which Candy's dream is shattered, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes and implications of the novella as a whole. The story of Candy reminds us of the fragility of dreams and the devastating impact that their destruction can have on individuals.

Bibliography

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Books, 1937.