Theme Of Candy In Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck

Walt Diseny once said, “First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.” In the book, “Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck, Lennie and George barely get by during the great depression.  George and Lennie transferring from one place to another stubble across a farm where they work. George struggles to look after Lennie which causes conflict between them and their fellow peers.  Everyone is going through hardships and dreams are what people are looking forward to during this time period. The theme, when dreams are abandoned, life becomes ugly and hopeless is shown through the characters of Candy, Curley’s wife and Crooks.

The theme is shown through Candy because he was about to own a farm with George. Candy is one of the older workers, he is very wise and compassionate. Candy has been on the farm longer than anyone else and saved plenty of money. Candy’s dog is killed for being old and Candy fears because he is old too. Candy, Lennie and George had a plan to buy a farm together and work on it. “Now Candy spoke his greatest fear. ‘You and me can get that little place, can't we, George? You and I can go there and live nice, can't we, George? Can't we?” (page 95).  In the quote Candy shows a lot of fear when asking George if the deal is still happening. Candy is scared since Lennie killed Curley’s wife and they were all in on the deal. Candy also  referenced the new farm as “living good”, showing that he isn't currently.

The theme is displayed by Curley’s wife because she wanted to become an actress. Curley’s wife is the only woman on the farm, she is very lonely and isolated. Curley’s wife is not treated well, she is constantly looking for people to talk to. Curley’s wife dislikes her husband and he always talks about beating people up. “Coulda been in the movies, and had nice clothes- all them nice clothes like they wear. And I coulda sat in the big hotels, and had pitchers taken off me. When they had them previews I coulda went to them, and spoke on the radio” (page 89). With Curley’s wife and her disappointing life she had dreams and opportunities to become an actress. The life that she could’ve had is described in the quote as having nice clothes, big hotels and pictures taken. Now Curley’s wife is alone and unhappy compared to the life she could’ve had in the quote.

The theme is revealed through Crooks because he wants to fit in. Crooks is the only black person on the farm, like Curley’s wife he is very alone. Crooks is mocked by the boss and has his own room away from everyone else. At the time black people weren't treated as fairly as everyone else. “Cause I’m black.They play cards there, but I can't play because Im black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, all of you stink to me!” (page 68). Crooks is very bothered by the discrimmination in the quote and takes his emotions out on everyone else. When Lennie comes into his room Crooks shows signs of happiness and teases him. Crooks wants to fit in and be like everyone else.