Table of ContentsBodyConclusionBibliographyJohn Steinbeck's short story, Of Mice and Men, explores the dreams and aspirations of its characters, often highlighting the harsh realities that can destroy these dreams. One character in particular, Candy, a disabled and aging ranch hand, has a dream that is repeatedly shattered throughout the text. This essay will analyze how Candy's dream is repeatedly destroyed, examining the implications of these events and their significance within the larger themes of the short story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Body From the beginning of the story, Candy's dream is presented as a beacon of hope amid the desolation of the Great Depression. Candy longs to join George and Lennie in their dream of owning land, where he can find meaning and security. This dream becomes a symbol of escape from the harsh realities of their lives and offers them a chance for independence. However, as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Candy's dream is constantly under threat, ultimately leading to its destruction. The first example is when Candy overhears George and Lennie discussing their dream, and he enthusiastically joins in, offering his savings to help purchase the land. This moment provides a sense of camaraderie, as Candy believes he has found a way to make his dream come true. Unfortunately, the dream is shattered when Curley's wife, in a fit of anger, insults the dream, leaving Candy devastated and questioning its feasibility. Candy's dream is further destroyed when the reality of her age and disability becomes apparent. The other ranch hands make fun of him because of 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 realities Candy faces, making it almost impossible to realize her dream of owning a piece of land. Additionally, Candy's hopes are dashed once again when the dream of owning the land becomes unattainable. The death of Curley's wife, a tragic event occurring due to Lennie's actions, leads to the destruction 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 feeling of hopelessness and the struggle for survival that many individuals faced during this time period. Candy's dream represents the universal desire for stability and purpose, but it is ultimately crushed, symbolizing the sadness of the times. Additionally, the destruction of Candy's dream emphasizes the theme of loneliness and isolation in the short story. Candy is portrayed as an outsider, both because of her disability and her age, and her dream is her 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 over the course of life. Great Depression. Through the character of Candy, John Steinbeck highlights the universal desire for stability and purpose, while also highlighting the isolation and despair that many people experienced during this time. By examining how Candy's dream is shattered, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes., 1937.