Q5. How
does Steinbeck use Chapter 3 to develop the theme of friendship and dreams?
Ans. Chapter 3 shows how friendship and dreams
bring meaning to the lonely lives of the workers. George and Lennie’s bond
grows stronger as George explains to Slim how he learned to care for Lennie
with understanding instead of teasing him. Slim listens kindly, showing that
such friendship is rare among the ranch men.
Their shared dream of owning a
small farm gives them hope and purpose. When Candy joins and offers his savings,
the dream seems close to becoming real. But Steinbeck reminds us that dreams
can easily break in a harsh world. The shooting of Candy’s old dog is a
powerful symbol—it shows how society treats the weak and unwanted. This scene
mirrors the fate of people who cannot survive in a cruel world. Through
friendship and the hope of a better life, Steinbeck presents both the beauty of
human connection and the sadness of lost dreams.
Q6. Explain
the importance of the scene where Candy’s dog is shot. What does it symbolize?
Ans. The killing of Candy’s old dog is one of
the most emotional parts of the story. The dog is old, weak, and in pain.
Carlson insists on shooting it to end its suffering, and Candy agrees with
great sadness. The silence after the gunshot fills the bunkhouse with sorrow
and tension. This act is more than mercy—it shows how the world treats those
who are old, weak, or no longer useful. The scene also foreshadows what happens
later to Lennie, who is innocent but cannot control his strength.
Just as the
dog is destroyed for being helpless, Lennie too faces the same fate. For Candy,
losing his dog makes him realize how lonely and worthless his own life has
become. The scene symbolizes the cruelty of life, the fear of aging, and the
loss of companionship in a world with little kindness.
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