Candy, the aging swamper in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men, has a total of six hundred dollars. He receives this money as a settlement from a workplace accident that left him unable to work effectively. This compensation is a reflection of the harsh realities faced by itinerant workers during the Great Depression, where job security was minimal and injuries could lead to financial ruin.
Candy’s money becomes significant as he dreams of joining George and Lennie in their plan to buy a piece of land. His savings represent not just a financial contribution but also a glimmer of hope for a better future and the camaraderie he seeks. This longing for companionship and stability in a transient life highlights key themes in the novel, such as loneliness and the pursuit of the American Dream.