Of mice and Men

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                Shrayans 10JD                        English, Mr. Lynn

The killing of Candy’s old dog foreshadowed Lennie’s death.

Describe the two killings, pointing out any similarities and differences between them.

        George and Lennie, two part-time ranch workers, are traveling from place to place to find farm work. They have to move often because Lennie is big and strong but can’t control his own strength as he is mentally retarded and gets into trouble often. They are trying to be out of the ordinary and make their dream, of owning a piece of land come true and not having to work tirelessly for a worthless salary. George hopes that this time they can stick to their workplace and actually get their dream to come true even though he knows from the start it is a false hope. He knows that Lennie will get himself in trouble because he can’t control his feelings or his power as he is mentally handicapped.

        Lennie is described as a child; always looking for support and advice from George and can’t do anything without George’s opinion who is like a father to him. Lennie is also described as a bear; he is as tall as a bear, has big arms like a bear and walks like a bear. In addition he is compared to other animals such as a horse “snorting into the water like a horse” and having a dog’s loyalty. As Lennie is retarded and very strong he can be very dangerous to others at times.

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        George and Lennie find work in a ranch in Soledad. Candy one of the worker’s there is a ‘swamper’. He has a dog that he looks out for. The dog is very old now and crippled but Candy says “I’m so used to him, I had him since a pup.” Candy is over-protective towards the dog even though every one working in the ranch wants Candy to kill the dog Candy isn’t letting them convince him. Carlson offers to kill the dog for Candy and says “Right back of the head. He wouldn’t even quiver.” Candy finally gives in. He ...

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