Final answer:
The treatment of disadvantaged characters in 'Of Mice and Men' raises ethical and moral issues and reflects broader themes of loneliness, discrimination, and powerlessness in the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of disadvantaged characters such as Candy's dog, Candy, Crooks, Slim's pups, and Lennie in 'Of Mice and Men' raises ethical and moral issues. These characters are mistreated and neglected, reflecting the inhumane behavior and lack of empathy in society. Steinbeck uses these instances to explore broader themes of loneliness, discrimination, powerlessness, and the fragility of dreams in the novel.
For example, the shooting of Candy's dog highlights the callousness and disposal of those deemed less valuable in society. Lennie's treatment reveals the challenges of caring for individuals with mental disabilities and the potential abuses they may face. Crooks, the African-American stable hand, confronts the racism and isolation experienced by marginalized groups. The cruelty towards Slim's pups symbolizes the harshness of a world where the weak are left to perish.
Overall, Steinbeck's depiction of these characters and their mistreatment highlights the themes of injustice, prejudice, and the struggle for dignity. These instances of inhumane behavior serve as a critique of society's failure to provide compassion and support for the disadvantaged.