Evident In Candy And His Dog's Relationship example essay topic

In the story, there are two oddly paired men, who travel side by side and support each other with the goal of living the ideal life. In a world of loneliness and trouble, these characters, George and Lennie, find comfort within the presence of each other. Another friendship within the story is between Candy and his dog. In John Steinbeck's novella, Of Mice and Men, the author suggests that the friendships between the two sets of individuals have parallel connections. By observing the characters' position in society, the meaning of their relationship with one another, and the killing of their companion, we can conclude that there are similarities between the two partnerships. Both sets of friends have their designated positions in society.

George and Candy act as the supporters in the relationship. Lennie and the dog, however, are dependent upon their supporters to exist in society. 'You know how the hands are, they just come in and get their bunk and work a month, and then they quit and go out alone. Never seem to give a damn about nobody. It jus's e ems kinda funny a cuckoo like him and a smart little guy like you travel in' together. ' (39) Lennie is marginalized as the "cuckoo" character that is rather unintelligent and useless.

George is clearly established as the man with the intelligence and the supporter of Lennie. Slim seems critical about their partnership, but does not realize the true depth of their friendship. Candy's dog is marginalized as useless and smelly. ' " God Almighty, that dog stinks. Get him out here, Candy! I don't know nothing that stinks as bad as an old dog.

You gotta get him out". ' (44) Candy's dog is seen as an old, good-for-nothing dog. The men do not realize that the significance of the dog's existence is that Candy has a sense of companionship with the dog. The true meaning of relationships is companionship. George could have been well off without Lennie, but still continues to care and support him. They have one another to talk to, be with, and look after.

'With us it ain't like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don't have to sit in no bar room blowin' in our jack jus' because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.

' (14) George and Lennie have the pleasure of companionship, but other individuals do not. Other individuals do not have someone to look after them or care for them. Therefore, George cares for Lennie, and Lennie cares for George. This companionship is evident in Candy and his dog's relationship. Candy is hesitant to end the dog's life because he has bonded with the dog over a long period of time.

'Well-hell! I had him so long. Had him since he was a pup. I herded sheep with him. You wouldn't think it to look at him now, but he was the best damn sheep dog I ever seen... II had him from a pup...

' (44-45) Candy has had a friendship with his dog since its birth. Candy's dog is clearly his best friend. In a lonely world, friends are an important gift to have. Candy's dog is portrayed as a puny dog, but what the others do not realize is that the companionship it provides makes up for its uselessness. Much like George, Candy does not need his dog to survive, but desires to keep it alive because of the love it provides for him.

A certain awareness and chance had to be taken for the supporting characters of each relationship to end the life of the other. Candy had to come to the shocking realization that his dog is a nuisance, crippled, and useless. 'If you want me to, I'll put the old devil out of his misery right now and get it over with. Ain't nothing left for him. Can't eat, can't see, can't even walk without hurt in'. ' (47) Through the persuasion of other men, Candy is finally able to let go of his lifelong friend.

The death of Candy's dog foreshadows the oncoming death of Lennie. George comes to his own realization that the ideal life he is seeking will never occur. It is an impossible goal for the two of them. Thus, George feels sympathy for Lennie and decides that it will be best for the both of them if he kills Lennie.

When George was asked how he killed Lennie, he responded simply, ' "I just done it". ' (107) A tragic ending of Lennie's life, but it was necessary for the continuation of George's life as a worker. Their view of the ideal farm life turned out to be a false dream and vision. The two sets of characters have parallels in the position that society puts them in, the meaning of their friendship, and the killing of their partner. Candy's dog was killed by a shot to the back of the head with a gun. The unfortunate death of Lennie is foreshadowed by this event.

In the final scene, George describes their vision of the ideal life in which they will live "off the fatta the lan'". (105) After a long realization that their dream won't come true, George makes a tough decision. Lennie is killed in the same fashion that Candy's dog was killed. Tragically, George must move on with the burdens of society. Ultimately, like Candy, George must cope with the loss of a companion and move on.