Of Mice and Men explores themes of loneliness, discrimination, and... Show more
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22 Dec 2025
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Loneliness in 'Of Mice and Men': George, Lennie, and Candy's Dreams
Zuzanna <3
@zuzanna_018
Candy's Dream and Social Commentary
Candy's involvement in George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm serves as a powerful social commentary on the aspirations and realities of working-class Americans during the Great Depression.
Quote: "You know where's a place like that?"
Candy's eager question about the dream farm reveals the desperation for hope and a better life among workers of his generation. It also highlights how such dreams often seemed too perfect to be true in the harsh reality of 1930s America.
Highlight: Candy's dream and social commentary in the great depression era reflects the widespread desire for freedom, self-control, and escape from the oppressive conditions of the time.
Steinbeck uses the dream to illustrate how marginalized individuals like Candy longed to be valued and seen as equals in a judgmental society. The dream represents a utopia - a paradise too perfect to exist in the corrupted society they inhabit.
Definition: Utopia - an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.
The ultimate failure of the dream, following the death of Curley's wife, serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by workers in 1930s America. It demonstrates how dreams were often seen as distractions from oppression and a futile search for happiness in a world that offered little hope.
Example: How is Candy's dream destroyed is shown through the chain of events leading to Curley's wife's death, which shatters the possibility of achieving their shared aspiration.
In conclusion, Steinbeck uses Candy's character to powerfully illustrate the discrimination and prejudice faced by elderly and disabled individuals in 1930s America. Through themes of loneliness, weakness, and unfulfilled dreams, the author paints a vivid picture of a hierarchical society where vulnerability was equated with insignificance and lack of human value.
Candy as a Reflection of 1930s American Society
John Steinbeck uses the character of Candy in Of Mice and Men to highlight various aspects of American society in the 1930s, particularly focusing on ageism and discrimination. Candy serves as a mirror to the social prejudices many faced based on age and disabilities during this era.
Quote: "Jus' as soon as I can't swamp out no bunk houses they'll put me on the county"
This quote from Candy encapsulates the fear and insecurity experienced by older workers during the Great Depression. It reflects the lack of social safety nets and the disposable nature of labor in that time.
Highlight: Loneliness in Of Mice and Men is exemplified through Candy's isolation from other ranch workers due to his age and disability.
Steinbeck portrays the weakness associated with old age in a society that valued physical strength and productivity. Candy's physical description, including his "round, stick-like, wrist," emphasizes his vulnerability in a harsh, competitive environment.
Example: The shooting of Candy's dog symbolizes the fate of the weak and vulnerable in 1930s American society, foreshadowing Candy's own potential future.
The author uses Candy to illustrate the loneliness experienced by itinerant ranch workers. The lack of empathy shown towards Candy, especially during the scene where his dog is shot, demonstrates the absence of sentimentality in a world where survival was paramount.
Vocabulary: Itinerant - traveling from place to place, especially to find work.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Loneliness in 'Of Mice and Men': George, Lennie, and Candy's Dreams
Zuzanna <3
@zuzanna_018
Of Mice and Men explores themes of loneliness, discrimination, and the American Dream through the character of Candy, reflecting societal issues of 1930s America.
- Candy represents ageism and discrimination against the elderly and disabled
- His character highlights themes of loneliness,... Show more
Candy's Dream and Social Commentary
Candy's involvement in George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm serves as a powerful social commentary on the aspirations and realities of working-class Americans during the Great Depression.
Quote: "You know where's a place like that?"
Candy's eager question about the dream farm reveals the desperation for hope and a better life among workers of his generation. It also highlights how such dreams often seemed too perfect to be true in the harsh reality of 1930s America.
Highlight: Candy's dream and social commentary in the great depression era reflects the widespread desire for freedom, self-control, and escape from the oppressive conditions of the time.
Steinbeck uses the dream to illustrate how marginalized individuals like Candy longed to be valued and seen as equals in a judgmental society. The dream represents a utopia - a paradise too perfect to exist in the corrupted society they inhabit.
Definition: Utopia - an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.
The ultimate failure of the dream, following the death of Curley's wife, serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by workers in 1930s America. It demonstrates how dreams were often seen as distractions from oppression and a futile search for happiness in a world that offered little hope.
Example: How is Candy's dream destroyed is shown through the chain of events leading to Curley's wife's death, which shatters the possibility of achieving their shared aspiration.
In conclusion, Steinbeck uses Candy's character to powerfully illustrate the discrimination and prejudice faced by elderly and disabled individuals in 1930s America. Through themes of loneliness, weakness, and unfulfilled dreams, the author paints a vivid picture of a hierarchical society where vulnerability was equated with insignificance and lack of human value.
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Candy as a Reflection of 1930s American Society
John Steinbeck uses the character of Candy in Of Mice and Men to highlight various aspects of American society in the 1930s, particularly focusing on ageism and discrimination. Candy serves as a mirror to the social prejudices many faced based on age and disabilities during this era.
Quote: "Jus' as soon as I can't swamp out no bunk houses they'll put me on the county"
This quote from Candy encapsulates the fear and insecurity experienced by older workers during the Great Depression. It reflects the lack of social safety nets and the disposable nature of labor in that time.
Highlight: Loneliness in Of Mice and Men is exemplified through Candy's isolation from other ranch workers due to his age and disability.
Steinbeck portrays the weakness associated with old age in a society that valued physical strength and productivity. Candy's physical description, including his "round, stick-like, wrist," emphasizes his vulnerability in a harsh, competitive environment.
Example: The shooting of Candy's dog symbolizes the fate of the weak and vulnerable in 1930s American society, foreshadowing Candy's own potential future.
The author uses Candy to illustrate the loneliness experienced by itinerant ranch workers. The lack of empathy shown towards Candy, especially during the scene where his dog is shot, demonstrates the absence of sentimentality in a world where survival was paramount.
Vocabulary: Itinerant - traveling from place to place, especially to find work.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user