Topic > Respect for Old Age and Dreams in Of... by John Steinbeck

Candy is an old ranch hand, who lost a hand due to a farming accident. He worked on the ranch all his life; the boss gave him money as compensation for his lost hand. Candy has been with her dog all her life, her dog was once a great shepherd, her dogs now have no teeth, her dog is useless and stinks, but Candy still wants him. When Candy discovered that Carlson wanted to shoot his dog he was devastated. “Well, hell, I've had it so long” (page: 45). Carlson tries to convince Candy that her job is no longer good, but it didn't work until the last minute. Candy finally agrees, but is still sad. "stink. I will shoot him for you” (page: 45). Candy remained on her bunk and asked the other boys for help, no one responded. Candy was sitting on the bed depressed, sad and hurt and looking at the ceiling. She focused on the ceiling without even twisting or turning when Clarson took his dog out to shoot him, Candy was in a state of isolation. He knows what will happen to him in a few years, he knows that one day the boss will get rid of him because he is old, weak, useless and physically disabled. He overheard Lennie and George talking about their dreams and promised George and Lennie that he will put in some money if he joins them, Candy has no relatives and would do no good for other jobs even if he were hired. "I will have nowhere to go and I will no longer be able to find work" (page:60) says Candy. The novel clearly shows the lack of respect for the