Candy Character Presentation

Candy

Characterisation in of mice and men

Start

Name + Age

Candy is described to be an old man in section 2. He works as a swamper in the ranch George and Lennie arrive at.

Candy is described as a "tall, stoop-shouldered old man" and is dressed in blue jeans at the beginning of section 2. He carries a big push-broom in his left hand, as he has lost his right hand.

Appearance

Backstory

Candy is implied to have worked on the ranch from when he was a young adult. He has lost his hand in a work accident and ever since has become the swamper of the ranch.

Key relationships

Candy and George strengthen their relationship when George agrees to let Candy help then achieve their dream. This gives the reader hope that they will achieve their dream of self-suffieciency, and adds to the tragic feel at the end of the story. Candy's relationship with his dog is significant as it reflects his situation since he is no longer economically productive. He sees his fate represented in the death of his dog.

Plot function

Candy is the person that sets up the potential happy ending as in the novel, George and Lennie had a dream of self sufficiency which might seem possible with the help of Candy. As Candy stays in the bunk house all day due to his handicap, he is able to communicate with all the other ranch workers which makes him the main source of information and gossip.

Discourse function

Candy is representative of all old people, and how they are no longer economically productive. They are no longer useful in a society that values productivity.