Candy Flashcards
“had him since he was a pup”
‘Candy looked for help from face to face’
Despite its age, perhaps he kept it around as it was the only friend he had. He looks “face to face” hoping someone will support but though, nobody does; this connotes how although he’s always in a ranch full of people, he continued to be lonely until after his dog is killed without having anybody to consolidate him.
n word then swiftly to “nice fella too”
The juxtaposition of descriptions that Candy gives Crooks and his casual use of derogatory language reveals how deeply entrenched racism was in 1930s America.
Steinbeck was careful not to create any character in this novella that is entirely likeable and wanted to stress the complexities of mankind as well as explore their flaws like he did with Candy; how his complexity was due to his old age
“God he was a good sheep dog”
Carlson says “why’n’t you shoot him Candy?”
Parallels are drawn between Candy and his dog as Candy holds onto memories of what a skilful dog he once was but your past accomplishments are worthless in the world of capitalism where your worth is determined by how productive you are in labour today.
‘Stoop-shouldered old man’
Candy is physically weighed down by the relentless work and poor living conditions and perhaps could be metaphorically weighed down by his oppression too.
“I ain’t much good”
Candy repeatedly says this which connotes he’s very much aware of the comparatively few skills he has to offer which has affected his self esteem.
“I ought’ve shot him myself. I ought’ve not let no stranger shoot my dog”
This line foreshadows and justifies the decision eventually made by George. It also suggests there is an inevitability in Lennie’s death.
“You goddamn tramp” to Curley’s Wife
“tart”
Candy’s attitude was misogynistic towards Curley’s Wife which serves to highlight the unequal treatment of women at the time. His accusation of her being a ‘tart’ is completely unfounded and his emotionless reactions to her death normalises the violence against women
“You an me can get that little place, can’t we, George?”
Candy clings onto the dream despite how unlikely it was. His continual questioning to George reveals how desperate he is fro the dream to come true considering it offers escape from his monotonous life and the cruel discriminatory world itself.
