In John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men," Candy tells George that Curley picked a fight with Lennie because Lennie "wasn't mean enough" and Curley "was sore as hell." This statement reveals several important themes in the novel, including the idea of power dynamics and the inherent violence in the relationships between the characters.
One of the main themes in "Of Mice and Men" is the idea of power dynamics. Curley, as the boss's son, is in a position of authority on the ranch and is constantly looking for ways to assert his power. He has a chip on his shoulder and is quick to start fights with anyone he perceives as weaker than himself. Lennie, on the other hand, is a large, physically strong man with a developmental disability. He is not capable of understanding the social rules of the ranch and often gets into trouble because of his inability to control his own strength.
Curley sees Lennie as an easy target and picks a fight with him because he knows he can win. He is looking for a way to assert his dominance and prove that he is in control. Candy's statement also reveals the inherent violence in the relationships between the characters on the ranch. Curley is not just looking to prove himself in this particular altercation; he is also looking to maintain his position of power over the other men on the ranch. He is willing to use violence as a means of keeping everyone else in line.
The violence in the relationships between the characters in "Of Mice and Men" is a reflection of the larger societal forces at play in the novel. The characters are all struggling to survive in a world that is harsh and unforgiving, and they resort to violence as a means of coping with their difficult circumstances. The violence is not just limited to physical altercations, either; there is also a sense of emotional violence in the relationships between the characters. Everyone is constantly trying to assert their own desires and needs, and they are often willing to hurt others in the process.
In conclusion, Candy's statement about Curley picking a fight with Lennie reveals several important themes in "Of Mice and Men," including the idea of power dynamics and the inherent violence in the relationships between the characters. These themes are ultimately a reflection of the larger societal forces at play in the novel, as the characters struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.
