In John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men, Candy, an aging ranch worker, suffers a significant injury to his hand. While working on the ranch, Candy gets his hand caught in a machinery accident, resulting in the partial amputation of his hand. Consequently, he is left with a physical disability, which makes him feel vulnerable and isolated among the other ranch hands.
This injury serves as a powerful symbol in the story. It represents the harsh realities of life for itinerant workers during the Great Depression, where physical strength was valued above all else. Candy’s damaged hand is a constant reminder of his declining utility and worth in a world that often discards the weak and disabled. Furthermore, it sets up a poignant parallel with the novel’s larger themes of loneliness, the desire for companionship, and the struggle for dignity.
Later in the story, Candy’s injury leads him to bond with George and Lennie, as he sees an opportunity to escape the bleakness of his life by joining in their dream of owning a piece of land. This shared hope for a better future highlights the importance of friendship and connection among those who are marginalized.