Killing Of Lennie And Candy's Dog example essay topic

334 words
What is symbolism? Symbolism is the practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships. In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men", the theme of symbolism is clearly portrayed through the killing of Candy's dog. Not only does this relate to the death of Lennie; however, it relates to the associated feelings of George and Candy. Both the killing of Lennie and Candy's dog were acts of mercy done merely to end the grief of both animal and human. The killing of Candy's dog was heartbreaking, yet at the same time, done for a better cause.

Carlson states, "Look, Candy. This ol' dog jus's uff ers himself all the time. If you was to take him out and shoot him right in the back of the head - right there, why he'd never know what hit him". (pg. 45) By this statement, Carlson implies that shooting the dog is the best solution and in doing so, the dog will not have to suffer any more. Carlson also states, "Well, you aint bein' kind to him keepin him alive". (pg. 45) This proves that Candy's dog is old and suffers a great deal, and just by living, makes the dog suffer even more. Connecting this to the shooting of Lennie, George made an appropriate decision in killing him because he wouldn't be sincere if he decided not to. Not only did Lennie bring harm upon others, he brought harm upon himself as well.

Therefore, by not ending Lennie's life, more problems would " ve occurred for the both of them. Along with the shooting of Candy's dog, Lennie's death was also very tragic, yet done to benefit him. At the end of the novel, George is left contemplating whether to kill Lennie or to let Curley and the others kill him. One may think he chose to shoot Lennie.