Respect For Old Age And Dreams In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Readers have been drawn to John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel Of Mice and Men, by its enduring story of two men struggling to find their dream place during The Great Depression. In the start of the novel we learn that the men here run away from their previous job, but the worst is yet to come , their dreams are about to be shattered. George realises that in order to take Lennie out of this vulnerable position, he needs to make a decision; it is shocking and terrible. Although the novel is short the themes are complicated. The author dealt the themes of Racism, Respect for old age and Dreams. The readers learn the other characters values and attitudes towards African Americans in 1930s America, Steinbeck has used Crooks as an example of the treatment …show more content…

Candy is an old ranch worker, who has lost one of his hands due to a farm accident. He has been working for his whole life on the ranch; the boss has given him some money in compensation for his lost hand. Candy has been with his dog all his life, his dog was once a great sheepherder, his dogs now has no teeth, his useless and stinks the bunk house but Candy still wants him. When Candy found out Carlson wanted to shoot his dog he was devastated. “Well hell I had him so long” (page: 45). Carlson tries to convince Candy that his do aint well no more, but it didn’t work until the last minute Candy finally agrees but still sad. “he stinks. I’ll shoot him for you” (page: 45). Candy stayed on his bunk and looked for help from the other guys, nobody responded. Candy’s sat on his bed depressed, sad and hurt he looked up the ceilings. He concentrated on the ceiling without even turning or twisting when Clarson took his dog outside to shoot him, Candy was in isolation mood. He knows what’s going to happen to him in a few years’ time , he knows the boss is going to get rid of him one day because he is old, weak , futile and is physically disabled. He has heard Lennie and George talking about their dreams and promised George and Lennie he will put in some money if he joins them , Candy has no relatives and wouldn’t do no good for others jobs even if he gets hired. “ I won’t have no place to go an’ i can’t get no more jobs ’’( page:60) Candy says. The novel clearly shows the lack of respect for the

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