IndexBodyConclusionBibliography John Steinbeck's tale of Of Mice and Men explores the dreams and aspirations of his characters, often highlighting the harsh reality that can crush these dreams. One character in particular, Candy, an old disabled ranch hand, has a dream that is repeatedly dashed throughout the text. This essay will analyze how Candy's dream is destroyed multiple times, examining the implications of these events and their significance within the larger themes of the tale. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body From the beginning of the story, Candy's dream is presented as a glimmer of hope amid the desolation of the Great Depression. Candy longs to join George and Lennie in their dream of owning a piece of land, where she can find purpose and security. This dream becomes a symbol of escape from the harsh reality of their life and offers them a chance for independence. However, as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Candy's dream is constantly in danger, ultimately leading to its destruction. The first example of this is when Candy overhears George and Lennie discussing their dream, and he enthusiastically joins in, offering his life savings to help purchase the land. This moment offers a sense of camaraderie, as Candy believes she has found a way to make her dream come true. Unfortunately, the dream is shattered when Curley's wife, in a fit of rage, insults the dream, leaving Candy devastated and questioning its feasibility. Candy's dream is further shattered when the reality of her age and disability becomes apparent. The other ranch workers mock him for his missing hand and consider him useless. They see him as a burden, rather than a valuable member of the community. This harsh treatment highlights the cruel reality Candy faces, making it nearly impossible for him to realize his dream of owning a piece of land. Furthermore, Candy's hopes are dashed once again when her dream of owning land becomes unattainable. The death of Curley's wife, a tragic event due to Lennie's actions, leads to the unraveling of their dreams. The dream of owning land and living a peaceful life is shattered, leaving Candy desperate and defeated. The destruction of Candy's dream serves as a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. Steinbeck uses the character of Candy to illustrate the pervasive sense of desperation and struggle for survival that many individuals faced during this period. Candy's dream represents the universal desire for stability and purpose, but is ultimately crushed, symbolizing the desolation of the age. Furthermore, the destruction of Candy's dream emphasizes the theme of loneliness and isolation in the story. Candy is portrayed as an outsider, both due to his disability and his age, and his dream is his only source of comfort. When this dream is destroyed, Candy feels even more isolated, highlighting the profound impact that broken dreams can have on individuals. Conclusion The repeated destruction of Candy's dream in Of Mice and Men serves as a powerful exploration of the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. Through the character of Candy, John Steinbeck highlights the universal desire for stability and purpose, while also shedding light on the isolation and desperation that many individuals experienced during this time. By examining the ways in which Candy's dream is shattered, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes and implications of the tale as a whole. Candy's story there., 1937.