Real Omam Essay

Waingold 1
Ari Waingold
Ms. Seelye
Honors English 9, P3
18 November 2021
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Fiction works often include illuminating incidents that demonstrate theme, character
development, or provide insight into the plot itself. Additionally, these incidents are layered with
commentary criticizing aspects of society at the time. In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck,
these incidents relate to life during the Great Depression and the relationships formed between
different types of people. Specifically, the culture formed between workers who have a common
goal in mind. The events preceding Candy’s dog being shot exemplify the topic of
companionship while also introducing the roles of different characters on the ranch, specifically
Carlson and Candy himself. The interaction between Lennie and Curley’s wife demonstrates the
reality of Lennie’s nature; his intentions are kind, but his disability hinders him from being able
to express himself properly.
The death scene of Candy’s dog provides important insight as to the culture of the ranch and
the roles different characters play. Although Carlson knows Candy has had his dog for years, he
still doesn’t hesitate to mention how the dog “stinks to beat hell,” and even goes so far as to
suggest “shoot[ing] him for [Candy]” (Steinbeck 45). People such as Carlson are viewed as
authoritative figures; people are afraid to stand up to him due to his disregard for the well-being
of others. The alarming part of the death scene of Candy’s dog is not the shooting itself, but the
fact that no one raises an objection. Though Candy seeks the support of the other characters,
even George and Slim don’t seem to care, with George nonchalantly “shuffl[ing] the cards
Waingold 2
noisily and deal[ing] them” (Steinbeck 48). While no objection is made, the men would likely
have protested more had someone other than Carlson suggested killing the dog. The lack of
empathy from even the most virtuous men on the ranch is a testament to the overall coldness of
people at the time of the Great Depression. As no one seems to understand the bond that Candy
has with his dog, he feels defeated and is reminded of his social status as an outcast from the rest
of the men. The whole ordeal illuminates the social hierarchy among the men and the overall
way events are conducted on the ranch.
Lennie’s conversation with Curley’s wife illustrates Lennie’s struggles with controlling his
strength. His intentions are good, but he is not able to convert his intentions to action properly.
Lennie doesn’t mean to kill his puppy; he even asks “Why do you got to get killed? You ain’t so
little as mice. I didn’t bounce you hard” (Steinbeck 85). Lennie does not understand what he has
done to the puppy. Instead, his mind tries to figure out why the puppy has died, which only
serves to confuse him and make him angrier with himself. He truly feels bad for the puppy, but
because he cannot control his strength, he feels helpless, as though he cannot do anything about
the puppy’s death. When it comes to killing Curley’s wife, Lennie “[doesn’t] want to hurt
[Curley’s wife],” in fact, the sole reason he uses his strength is that “George'll be mad if
[Curley’s wife] yell[s]” (Steinbeck 91). The thought of killing Curley’s wife never actually
crosses his mind; he is only thinking about what George will do to him. Due to his disability, he
is unable to think about the consequences of his actions or to learn from the past. Without George
keeping a watchful eye on him, he inevitably makes mistakes leading to tragedy. The progression
from killing mice, to a puppy, to a person is an indicator of how, due to uncontrollable
circumstances, certain situations are inevitable, and can only be delayed.

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Incidents such as the death of Candy’s dog and Lennie’s unintentional killing of Curley’s
wife all demonstrate character roles and are the backbone of the overall theme. Through these
incidents, Steinbeck describes character traits and their impact on society, whether that be on a
large or small scale. Each character is representative of a different type of person in the real
world as well as how they interact with and are viewed by others. These ideas not only apply to
this specific novel but comment on society as a whole during the time of the Great Depression.
Through this social commentary, and specifically these incidents, Steinbeck sends an important
message which is still relevant today about the importance of companionship, acceptance, and
kindness, especially in times of distress.

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Waingold 1

to express himself properly.

way events are conducted on the ranch.

from killing mice, to a puppy, to a person is an indicator of how, due to uncontrollable

circumstances, certain situations are inevitable, and can only be delayed.

kindness, especially in times of distress.

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