In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck tells the story of two itinerant farm workers, George and Lennie, who struggle to find a place to call home. Of the many characters in the story, the most controversial is Carlson, who shoots Candy’s old dog in the novel’s climax. The question of why Carlson shoots Candy’s dog is one that has been debated for years by literary critics and readers alike.
The Significance of Candy's Dog
Candy’s old dog is a symbol of loyalty, companionship, and security. The dog is a reminder of how much Candy has lost in his life, as he is now unable to work on the ranch due to his age and physical disability. The dog is the only thing that he has left that brings him any comfort or joy.
The Role of Carlson in the Novel
Carlson is a minor character in the novel, but he plays an important role in the story. He is the one who ultimately decides to shoot Candy’s dog, which is a difficult decision for him to make as he has grown fond of the animal. He is also the one who suggests that George and Lennie should buy the ranch in order to realize their dreams.
Why Does Carlson Shoot Candy's Dog?
Carlson’s decision to shoot Candy’s old dog is a difficult one, but it is ultimately a necessary one. By shooting the dog, Carlson is doing Candy a favor, as the dog is old and in pain and can no longer function as a working animal. Additionally, Carlson’s decision to shoot the dog serves to further the plot of the novel, as it sets in motion the events that lead to the novel’s climax.
The Moral Implications of Carlson's Decision
The decision to shoot Candy’s dog raises a number of ethical and moral questions. Is it right to take the life of an animal that has been a loyal companion to its owner? Is it justified to do so in order to further the plot of a novel? These questions remain unanswered, but they provide readers with an opportunity to consider the implications of Carlson’s decision.
The Impact of Carlson's Decision
Carlson’s decision to shoot Candy’s old dog has a profound impact on the story. The shooting of the dog serves as a catalyst for the novel’s climax, as it leads to George’s decision to shoot Lennie. Additionally, the shooting of the dog serves to illustrate the harshness of life for itinerant workers during the Great Depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the significance of Candy's Dog in Of Mice and Men?
Candy's dog is a symbol of loyalty, companionship, and security. It serves as a reminder of all that Candy has lost in his life and is the only thing that he has left that brings him any comfort or joy.
2.What is the role of Carlson in Of Mice and Men?
Carlson is a minor character in the novel, but he plays an important role in the story. He is the one who ultimately decides to shoot Candy's dog and also suggests that George and Lennie should buy the ranch in order to realize their dreams.
3.Why did Carlson shoot Candy's Dog?
Carlson's decision to shoot Candy's old dog is a difficult one, but it is ultimately a necessary one. By shooting the dog, Carlson is doing Candy a favor, as the dog is old and in pain and can no longer function as a working animal. Additionally, Carlson's decision to shoot the dog serves to further the plot of the novel, as it sets in motion the events that lead to the novel's climax.
4.What are the moral implications of Carlson's decision to shoot Candy's Dog?
The decision to shoot Candy's dog raises a number of ethical and moral questions. Is it right to take the life of an animal that has been a loyal companion to its owner? Is it justified to do so in order to further the plot of a novel? These questions remain unanswered, but they provide readers with an opportunity to consider the implications of Carlson's decision.
5.What is the impact of Carlson's decision to shoot Candy's Dog?
Carlson's decision to shoot Candy's old dog has a profound impact on the story. The shooting of the dog serves as a catalyst for the novel's climax, as it leads to George's decision to shoot Lennie. Additionally, the shooting of the dog serves to illustrate the harshness of life for itinerant workers during the Great Depression.
6.How did Candy feel after Carlson shot his Dog?
Candy is heartbroken after Carlson shoots his old dog. He is deeply saddened by the loss of his loyal companion and is overcome with grief. However, he ultimately understands that Carlson's decision was necessary and that the dog was in pain and could no longer function as a working animal.
7.What does Carlson's decision to shoot Candy's Dog illustrate?
Carlson's decision to shoot Candy's old dog serves to illustrate the harshness of life for itinerant workers during the Great Depression. The shooting of the dog serves as a reminder that even those with little power and few possessions can still be affected by the decisions of those in power.
8.What is the significance of the title Of Mice and Men?
The title of the novel alludes to a line in Robert Burns' poem, “To a Mouse”, in which he states that “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley”. This line serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable and that even the best laid plans can go awry.
9.What does George's decision to shoot Lennie illustrate?
George's decision to shoot Lennie illustrates the tragic nature of the novel and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect their loved ones. George ultimately chooses to take Lennie's life in order to spare him from a worse fate, which is a difficult decision for him to make but one that he believes is necessary.
10.What is the theme of Of Mice and Men?
The main theme of Of Mice and Men is the struggle for survival and the search for a place to call home. The novel explores the lives of two men who are struggling to find a place where they can live and work in peace, and it examines how their dreams are ultimately thwarted by the harsh realities of the Great Depression.
11.Why is Of Mice and Men considered a classic?
Of Mice and Men is considered a classic because it is a timeless story that is relevant to all generations. It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of dreams, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can still be found.
12.What is the climax of Of Mice and Men?
The climax of Of Mice and Men occurs when George shoots Lennie in order to spare him from a worse fate. This act serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and loyalty, and it illustrates the tragedy of the novel.
13.What is the significance of the setting in Of Mice and Men?
The setting of Of Mice and Men is significant because it serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. The setting also serves to illustrate how difficult it was for itinerant workers to find a place where they could live and work in peace.
14.What is the significance of the dream in Of Mice and Men?
The dream of owning a piece of land is significant in Of Mice and Men because it serves as a reminder of hope and possibility. George and Lennie’s dream of owning a ranch is a symbol of their desire for a better life, and it serves as an inspiration for them to keep striving towards their goal.
15.Who is Curley in Of Mice and Men?
Curley is the son of the ranch owner in Of Mice and Men. He is a hot-tempered and jealous man who is constantly looking for a fight. He is also the main antagonist in the novel, as he stands in the way of George and Lennie's dream of owning a piece of land.
16.What is the significance of the title Of Mice and Men?
The title Of Mice and Men alludes to a line in Robert Burns' poem, “To a Mouse”, in which he states that “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley”. This line serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable and that even the best laid plans can go awry.
17.What does Lennie's death symbolize in Of Mice and Men?
Lennie's death symbolizes the power of friendship and loyalty. George chooses to