In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, one of the most poignant characters is Candy, an elderly ranch worker who is physically disabled and struggles to find his place in a harsh, lonely world. Candy, like many other characters in the novel, faces isolation, but his status as an “outcast” on the ranch is particularly pronounced due to several key factors, including his age, his disability, and his marginalized position within the ranch hierarchy. His character offers a critical examination of social exclusion, vulnerability, and the human need for companionship, providing a glimpse into the bleak realities of life during the Great Depression.
1. Candy’s Age and Disability
Candy’s physical disability is one of the most immediate markers of his isolation. He is missing one of his hands, having lost it in a work accident, and as a result, he is often seen as less useful than the younger, stronger men on the ranch. In the world of the ranch, where strength and physical labor are prized above all else, Candy’s disability places him at the bottom of the social ladder. He is not only physically limited, but he also fears becoming irrelevant as he grows older.
The ranch’s environment, where workers are constantly moving from place to place in search of work, demands youth and vigor. Candy, once a strong and capable man, now finds himself with diminished value in this harsh, survival-focused world. He is often pushed aside, treated as expendable, much like his old dog, which becomes a powerful symbol of his own fate. In a pivotal moment of the novel, Candy’s dog, aged and crippled, is put down by Carlson, symbolizing how society discards those who are no longer deemed useful.
2. The Role of Candy’s Dog
Candy’s dog represents his own fears of becoming obsolete. Much like his pet, who is no longer able to work or contribute in a meaningful way, Candy sees himself as nearing the end of his usefulness. The dog’s death at the hands of Carlson mirrors what Candy believes will eventually happen to him. The dog’s old age and disability lead to its exclusion from the ranch’s daily life, and similarly, Candy faces the same alienation due to his age and physical limitations. This shared fate between Candy and his dog enhances his sense of being an outcast, as he must face the reality that his value is based on his ability to work, something increasingly beyond his capacity.
3. Candy’s Social Isolation
Beyond his physical limitations, Candy’s social isolation is a significant factor in his position as an outcast. The ranch is populated by transient workers, most of whom keep to themselves and avoid forming close bonds. This isolated lifestyle is exacerbated by the racial and class divisions that exist on the ranch. For example, Crooks, the black stable-hand, is similarly ostracized, though for racial reasons, while Candy is marginalized due to his disability and age. Both men form connections with others in rare, fleeting moments, but their connections are often temporary, as the larger social structure keeps them on the fringes.
Candy’s attempts to connect with others are few and far between, and they usually revolve around his longing for companionship and a better future. His desperation for human connection is most evident when he latches onto George and Lennie’s dream of owning a farm. When he hears of their plan, he eagerly offers his life savings to become part of it, hoping to escape the bleakness of ranch life and have a sense of belonging. This dream provides Candy with a glimmer of hope, a rare opportunity for connection and security, but it also underscores his status as an outcast. The fact that he is willing to contribute his money to the dream of others reflects how much he yearns to be accepted, to be included, and to leave behind his current life of exclusion.
4. Candy’s Relationships with Other Characters
Candy’s relationships with other characters are fraught with a sense of both longing and limitation. While he forms a bond with George and Lennie, this connection is often strained by the realities of ranch life. His friendship with these two men offers a brief respite from his isolation, but their relationship also highlights the fragile nature of human bonds on the ranch. Despite his desire for inclusion, Candy is always reminded of the boundaries that exist between him and the other men. His disability, age, and lower status on the ranch create an unspoken barrier that keeps him from fully participating in the camaraderie that George, Lennie, and others share.
5. Candy’s Fate as an Outcast
In the end, Candy’s role as an outcast is tragically sealed by the loss of the dream he clings to. When Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife, the dream of a shared future on the farm is shattered, and Candy is left alone once again, faced with the harsh reality of his existence on the ranch. The fleeting hope he had of escaping his outcast status dissolves, and he is forced to confront the reality that he has nowhere else to go. His dream, much like his relationship with his dog, is ultimately doomed to failure.
Conclusion
Candy’s position as an outcast on the ranch in Of Mice and Men serves as a poignant commentary on the vulnerability of the elderly, the disabled, and those who have lost their usefulness in a world that prizes strength and independence. His physical disability, his age, and his isolation from the other men all contribute to his sense of alienation. Candy’s desire for connection, symbolized by his attachment to his dog and his dream of a better future, reflects the universal human need for companionship and belonging. Yet, in the harsh, survival-focused world of the ranch, these dreams are often unattainable. Candy’s story is a reminder of the fragility of human connections and the deep isolation that many people experience when they are marginalized by society.