Supporting Characters: Candy, Curley's Wife, and Crooks
The supporting characters in "Of Mice and Men" each represent different aspects of 1930s American society, adding depth to the novella's themes.
Candy: The Elderly and Disabled
Candy of mice and men-character personality traits include loyalty, a desire to be useful, and a fear of being discarded.
Physical description of Candy in Of Mice and Men: Candy is described as an old "swamper", or handyman, who lost his hand in a ranch accident.
How do others see Candy in Of Mice and Men? Initially, other characters see Candy as a useful source of information about the ranch. As the story progresses, his vulnerability and fear of being discarded become more apparent.
Highlight: Candy's attachment to his old dog parallels his own fears about aging and becoming useless.
Candy's character in of mice and men explained essay would focus on his role as a symbol of the elderly and disabled in Depression-era America. His eagerness to join George and Lennie's dream demonstrates his desire to have a purpose and belong somewhere.
Description of candy's dog in Of mice and men: The dog is old, arthritic, and smelly, mirroring Candy's own aging and fears of obsolescence.
Candy Of Mice and Men quotes:
Quote: "I'd make a will an' leave my share to you guys in case I kick off, 'cause I ain't got no relatives or nothing."
This quote shows Candy's desperation to be part of something and his fear of dying alone and useless.
Curley's Wife: Women's Limited Roles
Curley's Wife represents the limited options available to women in 1930s America.
Highlight: The fact that she's only referred to as "Curley's Wife" throughout the novella emphasizes her lack of individual identity.
Her character is complex, often seen as a threat by the ranch hands but revealed to be lonely and unfulfilled.
Quote: "I get lonely. You can talk to people, but I can't talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad."
This quote reveals the isolation and frustration experienced by Curley's Wife, trapped in an unfulfilling marriage and avoided by others on the ranch.
Crooks: Racial Discrimination
Crooks Of Mice and Men is the only black character in the novella, representing the racial discrimination prevalent in 1930s America.
Physical description: Crooks is described as a "lean-faced Negro" with a "crooked back where a horse kicked him".
His physical disability adds another layer to the discrimination he faces.
Quote: "This is just a nigger talkin', an' a busted-back nigger. So it don't mean nothing, see?"
This bitter statement from Crooks reveals the deep impact of the racism he experiences daily.
Highlight: Despite his bitterness, Crooks is one of the most intellectually capable characters in the novella, emphasizing the unfairness of his situation.
These supporting characters add depth to the themes of loneliness, dreams, and societal prejudices that run throughout "Of Mice and Men".
