Of Mice and Men Essay-a Comparison Between Lennie and Candy
The novel “Of Mice and Men” is filled with characters that portray weakness. They are Steinbeck’s commentary on the general attitude towards the “weak”, and on the stereotype of “weak”, and perhaps even on the belief of “survival of the fittest”-social darwinism. Candy’s dog and Lennie are two characters that do so perhaps the most significantly, although in the case of Candy’s dog it is slightly less obvious as he’s not given much of a personality. Upon digging deeper into these two characters, you will find that they share similarities despite one of them being human and the other a dog.
Both Lennie and Candy’s dog are seen as weak and useless. This is especially true for Candy’s dog-nobody, not even Candy, can seem to find a use for him. He is described as stinky, old, and practically lifeless. Candy doesn’t agree nor disagree with this; but he defends his dog by saying “I been around him so much I never notice how he stinks.” and “he was the best damn sheep dog I ever seen.” Both of these characters are kept around because their companions love them. For Candy’s dog, that is the only reason he lives for as long as he did. Until he finally gave in, Candy refused to let his dog die. Lennie, on the other hand, is somewhat useful. He is strong and bulky, which makes him great at his job. But the downside to Lennie is that he is mentally weak. Many characters in the book feel this way about Lennie. Like Slim, for example; “Maybe he ain’t bright, but I never seen such a worker.” Both of these characters are also a burden to their companions. Although Candy and George don’t like to admit it, Candy’s dog and Lennie are perhaps more trouble than they’re worth.
When further exploring the details of these two relationships, you’ll find that Candy’s dog and Lennie “belong” to their companions. It would be accurate to refer to Candy and George as their “owners”. Of course, Candy’s dog being a pet, it goes without saying that he is owned by Candy. But in Lennie’s case,
Both Lennie and Candy’s dog are seen as weak and useless. This is especially true for Candy’s dog-nobody, not even Candy, can seem to find a use for him. He is described as stinky, old, and practically lifeless. Candy doesn’t agree nor disagree with this; but he defends his dog by saying “I been around him so much I never notice how he stinks.” and “he was the best damn sheep dog I ever seen.” Both of these characters are kept around because their companions love them. For Candy’s dog, that is the only reason he lives for as long as he did. Until he finally gave in, Candy refused to let his dog die. Lennie, on the other hand, is somewhat useful. He is strong and bulky, which makes him great at his job. But the downside to Lennie is that he is mentally weak. Many characters in the book feel this way about Lennie. Like Slim, for example; “Maybe he ain’t bright, but I never seen such a worker.” Both of these characters are also a burden to their companions. Although Candy and George don’t like to admit it, Candy’s dog and Lennie are perhaps more trouble than they’re worth.
When further exploring the details of these two relationships, you’ll find that Candy’s dog and Lennie “belong” to their companions. It would be accurate to refer to Candy and George as their “owners”. Of course, Candy’s dog being a pet, it goes without saying that he is owned by Candy. But in Lennie’s case,