Symbols
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts
1. George and Lennie’s Farm
The symbol of the farm promises for George and Lennie the possibility of a free and idyllic life
Candy is immediately drawn in by the dream, and even the cynical Crooks hopes that Lennie and George will let him live there too
A paradise for men who want to be masters of their own lives, the farm represents the possibility of freedom, self-reliance, and protection from the cruelties of the world
2. Lennie’s Puppy
Lennie's puppy is a symbol representing the victory of the strong over the weak
Lennie kills the puppy accidentally by virtue of his failure to recognize his own strength
Although no other character can match Lennie's physical strength, the huge Lennie will soon meet a fate similar to that of his small puppy
Like an innocent animal, Lennie is unaware of the vicious, predatory powers that surround him
3. Candy’s Dog
Candy's dog represents the fate awaiting anyone who has outlived his or her purpose
Once a fine sheepdog, useful on the ranch, Candy's mutt is now debilitated by age
Candy's sentimental attachment to the animal means nothing at all on the ranch
Carlson’s insistence that the old animal must die supports a cruel natural law that the strong will dispose of the weak
This reflects Candy’s own situation on the ranch
1. George and Lennie’s Farm
The symbol of the farm promises for George and Lennie the possibility of a free and idyllic life
Candy is immediately drawn in by the dream, and even the cynical Crooks hopes that Lennie and George will let him live there too
A paradise for men who want to be masters of their own lives, the farm represents the possibility of freedom, self-reliance, and protection from the cruelties of the world
2. Lennie’s Puppy
Lennie's puppy is a symbol representing the victory of the strong over the weak
Lennie kills the puppy accidentally by virtue of his failure to recognize his own strength
Although no other character can match Lennie's physical strength, the huge Lennie will soon meet a fate similar to that of his small puppy
Like an innocent animal, Lennie is unaware of the vicious, predatory powers that surround him
3. Candy’s Dog
Candy's dog represents the fate awaiting anyone who has outlived his or her purpose
Once a fine sheepdog, useful on the ranch, Candy's mutt is now debilitated by age
Candy's sentimental attachment to the animal means nothing at all on the ranch
Carlson’s insistence that the old animal must die supports a cruel natural law that the strong will dispose of the weak
This reflects Candy’s own situation on the ranch