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5 Dec 2025
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Candy Essay: GSCE English Literature Analysis on Of Mice and Men
Ava
@ava_umqk
Candy and the Loneliness of 1930s Ranch Life
The Great Depression hit America hard after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, making jobs scarce and turning men against each other in competition for work. Candy's character perfectly captures how friendship became a luxury most couldn't afford during this brutal time.
Candy's only real companion is his ancient sheepdog, which tells you everything about how isolated ranch workers were. When he says "I had 'im since he was a pup," you can hear the desperation of someone clinging to their only relationship. The other men want to shoot the dog because it's "so god damn old," showing how this society operated on survival of the fittest - if you couldn't contribute, you were worthless.
The most heartbreaking moment comes when Candy admits "I ain't got no relatives nor nothing," revealing the complete isolation that defined most people's lives. However, when he joins George and Lennie's dream, saying "We gonna do it... me and Lennie and George," his confidence suddenly blooms. This shows that even the possibility of friendship could transform someone's entire outlook.
Key Point: Candy's relationship with his dog mirrors how society treated anyone seen as "useless" - they were simply disposed of when they couldn't contribute anymore.
Physical Weakness and Social Hierarchy
In 1930s America, your physical strength literally determined your survival chances, and Candy represents everyone who couldn't keep up. Steinbeck makes this clear from Candy's first appearance - he's described as "tall," "stoop-shouldered," and crucially, missing a hand.
The description of Candy's "stick-like wrist" where his hand should be isn't just physical detail - it's a symbol of how physically disabled people were seen as broken and easily manipulated. His missing hand limits what jobs he can do on the ranch, making him constantly fear being thrown out like his dog.
What's even more telling is Candy's mental weakness - he can't even stand up to Carlson when his dog is threatened. Instead, he desperately "looked at Slim to try and find some reversal," showing how powerless he feels to control his own life. This wasn't unusual; older and disabled people often had to rely on others' mercy to survive.
Steinbeck uses the brutal image of Slim having to "drown 4 of 'em right off" (referring to weak puppies) to hammer home the point - in this dog-eat-dog society, only the strongest made it through.
Key Point: Candy's physical disability makes him vulnerable in a world where your worth was measured entirely by what work you could do with your hands.
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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.
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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
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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
Candy Essay: GSCE English Literature Analysis on Of Mice and Men
Ava
@ava_umqk
In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," the character of Candy serves as a window into the harsh realities of 1930s America during the Great Depression. Through this elderly ranch worker and his relationship with his ageing dog, Steinbeck reveals... Show more
Candy and the Loneliness of 1930s Ranch Life
The Great Depression hit America hard after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, making jobs scarce and turning men against each other in competition for work. Candy's character perfectly captures how friendship became a luxury most couldn't afford during this brutal time.
Candy's only real companion is his ancient sheepdog, which tells you everything about how isolated ranch workers were. When he says "I had 'im since he was a pup," you can hear the desperation of someone clinging to their only relationship. The other men want to shoot the dog because it's "so god damn old," showing how this society operated on survival of the fittest - if you couldn't contribute, you were worthless.
The most heartbreaking moment comes when Candy admits "I ain't got no relatives nor nothing," revealing the complete isolation that defined most people's lives. However, when he joins George and Lennie's dream, saying "We gonna do it... me and Lennie and George," his confidence suddenly blooms. This shows that even the possibility of friendship could transform someone's entire outlook.
Key Point: Candy's relationship with his dog mirrors how society treated anyone seen as "useless" - they were simply disposed of when they couldn't contribute anymore.
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Physical Weakness and Social Hierarchy
In 1930s America, your physical strength literally determined your survival chances, and Candy represents everyone who couldn't keep up. Steinbeck makes this clear from Candy's first appearance - he's described as "tall," "stoop-shouldered," and crucially, missing a hand.
The description of Candy's "stick-like wrist" where his hand should be isn't just physical detail - it's a symbol of how physically disabled people were seen as broken and easily manipulated. His missing hand limits what jobs he can do on the ranch, making him constantly fear being thrown out like his dog.
What's even more telling is Candy's mental weakness - he can't even stand up to Carlson when his dog is threatened. Instead, he desperately "looked at Slim to try and find some reversal," showing how powerless he feels to control his own life. This wasn't unusual; older and disabled people often had to rely on others' mercy to survive.
Steinbeck uses the brutal image of Slim having to "drown 4 of 'em right off" (referring to weak puppies) to hammer home the point - in this dog-eat-dog society, only the strongest made it through.
Key Point: Candy's physical disability makes him vulnerable in a world where your worth was measured entirely by what work you could do with your hands.
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?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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