Carlson’s problem in John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ centers around his frustration with the smell of Candy’s old dog. He finds the dog to be an inconvenience on the ranch and believes it to be a burden that creates an unpleasant environment for everyone.
During a conversation, Carlson expresses his disdain for the dog’s state and ultimately tells Candy that the dog should be put down. He believes that it is the merciful thing to do, as the dog is old, decrepit, and no longer useful. Carlson’s blunt suggestion reflects a common attitude of the time towards aging and unproductive animals, emphasizing the harsh realities of life on the ranch.
This interaction highlights the themes of loneliness and the struggle for survival that permeate the novel. Carlson’s lack of empathy for Candy’s attachment to the dog further underscores the desensitization many characters exhibit toward life and death in their harsh world.