Answer:Symbolism of candy’s dog from Mice and Men. Explain.
Explanation: In John Steinbeck's novella "Of Mice and Men," Candy's dog serves as a symbol that represents several key themes and ideas in the story.Firstly, Candy's dog symbolizes the fragility and expendability of life. The dog is described as old, smelly, and disabled, and it is clear that it is no longer of any use to Candy or anyone else on the ranch. The dog's fate ultimately ends in a mercy killing, as Carlson, one of the ranch workers, shoots the dog to put it out of its misery. This event reflects the harsh reality of life during the Great Depression era, where those who are deemed weak, old, or disabled are often discarded and considered burdensome. The dog's death foreshadows the tragic fate of other characters in the novella who are also seen as unproductive or undesirable by society, such as Lennie and Curley's wife.Secondly, Candy's dog symbolizes the theme of companionship and loneliness. Candy is deeply attached to his dog and has had it since it was a pup. The dog is his only source of companionship and loyalty in a lonely and isolated environment like the ranch. When the dog is killed, Candy becomes even more lonely and vulnerable. This mirrors the longing for companionship that many characters in the novella experience, including George and Lennie, who have a close bond, and Curley's wife, who is desperate for attention and companionship from the ranch workers. The absence of Candy's dog serves as a reminder of the pervasive loneliness that many characters face in their harsh and unforgiving world.Lastly, Candy's dog symbolizes the idea of the "survival of the fittest" and the harsh reality of the natural world. Carlson argues that Candy's dog is useless and should be put down to prevent it from suffering further. This reflects the Darwinian concept of survival of the fittest, where those who are weak or unable to contribute to society are eliminated to make way for the stronger and more capable individuals. This idea is further highlighted by Candy's own fear of being useless and discarded once he becomes old and disabled, as he sees himself in his dog.In conclusion, Candy's dog serves as a multi-faceted symbol in "Of Mice and Men," representing themes of life's fragility and expendability, companionship and loneliness, and the harsh reality of the natural world. Through the portrayal of the dog, Steinbeck conveys deeper meanings and commentary on the human condition, societal norms, and the challenges faced by individuals during the Great Depression era. So, the symbolism of Candy's dog adds depth and complexity to the story and enhances the reader's understanding of the characters and their circumstances.