Of Mice & Men Quiz Chapters 3 & 4,What is the significance of Candy and his dog?
The significance of Candy and his dog in "Of Mice and Men" can be seen in several ways:
1. Loneliness and companionship: Candy and his dog both serve as examples of the theme of loneliness in the novel. Candy is an old, disabled worker who feels isolated and longs for companionship. Similarly, his dog is old and frail, representing the inevitable loneliness that comes with old age. The relationship between Candy and his dog highlights the need for companionship in a harsh and lonely world.
2. Dreams and hope: Candy's attachment to his dog represents his attachment to the past. He regrets not being able to put his dog out of its misery and fears facing a similar fate himself. When he overhears George and Lennie talking about their dream of owning their own land, he desperately wants to be a part of it, offering to contribute money to the dream. Candy sees their dream as a chance to escape the loneliness and despair that he currently feels.
3. Foreshadowing: The destiny of Candy's dog also serves as a foreshadowing for events to come. Carlson, another ranch worker, insists on shooting Candy's dog to end its suffering, arguing that it is an act of mercy. This foreshadows the fate of Lennie, who is also shot by George at the end of the novel to save him from a painful death at the hands of Curley and the other ranch workers.
Overall, the significance of Candy and his dog in the novel lies in their representation of loneliness, the pursuit of dreams, and foreshadowing of future events.