The question of how Candy lost his hand may prompt confusion, but it’s a reference to a well-known character from John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men—Candy, the aging ranch worker. His story is one of tragedy, resilience, and the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. Candy’s missing hand plays a significant role in his character development and serves as a powerful symbol within the novel. Let’s take a closer look at how Candy lost his hand and how it shapes his story.
Candy’s Hand and Its Loss
Candy, an old man who works on a ranch, lost his hand in a farming accident. In the novel, he reveals that his hand was severed in an incident involving a “horse kicking him.” The horse kicked Candy while he was working, and the result was a catastrophic injury that left him without a hand.
The loss of his hand not only impacts Candy physically but also emotionally and psychologically. In a society where physical strength and usefulness were highly valued, Candy’s injury made him feel increasingly vulnerable. He couldn’t perform tasks as efficiently as younger workers, and this feeling of inadequacy is a source of pain for him. It also affects his self-worth, as he knows that his value on the ranch is diminishing with age and his disability.
The Symbolism of the Lost Hand
Candy’s lost hand is symbolic of the broader themes of disability and human frailty in Of Mice and Men. Throughout the novel, many of the characters, including George and Lennie, struggle with physical or mental limitations, and Candy’s injury is one of the more prominent examples.
His missing hand is also tied to the idea of “uselessness” in the novel. In a world that values workers for their ability to perform hard labor, those who can no longer contribute in the same way are discarded or left behind. Candy’s injury, much like his aging body, signifies his growing obsolescence in a world that doesn’t have much sympathy for the disabled.
Candy’s Relationship with His Dog
Candy’s lost hand is further intertwined with his relationship with his old dog, which is also a symbol of aging and uselessness. The dog, once an effective worker and companion, has grown old and frail, much like Candy. At one point, the ranch hands suggest that the dog should be put down because he’s no longer useful. Candy’s attachment to the dog and his reluctance to let go of it mirror his own fears about becoming useless and being abandoned due to his disability. This creates a sense of loneliness for Candy, who both fears and resents the notion of being discarded like his dog.
Candy’s Desire for a Better Life
One of the most poignant moments in the novel involves Candy’s dream of joining George and Lennie on their quest to buy a piece of land. This dream represents a hopeful escape from the harsh realities of ranch life and the loneliness that Candy feels due to his disability. When he hears about the possibility of having a better future, Candy is eager to contribute financially, offering his life savings to become part of the dream. This moment reflects his desire to feel valued, wanted, and capable again, despite the fact that he is physically handicapped.
Conclusion
Candy’s lost hand is more than just an injury—it is a key element in his character development and in the broader themes of Of Mice and Men. It underscores the vulnerability and fragility of human life, especially in a time when physical labor was essential for survival. Candy’s story reminds us of the importance of human connection, compassion, and the desire for a sense of belonging and purpose, even when society often devalues those who can no longer contribute in the same way.