The swamper in the novella "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck plays a small but significant role in the story. The swamper is a worker at the ranch where the main characters, George and Lennie, are employed. He is described as an old man with "a big push broom" and is responsible for cleaning up the bunkhouse and other areas around the ranch.
Despite his seemingly menial job, the swamper is an important presence at the ranch. He is a source of gossip and information for the other workers, as he is often seen sweeping and listening to their conversations. This makes him an unofficial news reporter of sorts, as he is able to pass on information to others.
Furthermore, the swamper serves as a foil to Candy, the old swamper who is disabled and unable to work. While Candy is bitter and resentful of his situation, the swamper is content with his job and seems to take pride in his work. This contrast highlights the difference between those who are able to find happiness and purpose in their work, even if it is considered low status, and those who are unable to do so.
In addition, the swamper represents the invisible and often forgotten members of society. He is a background character who is rarely noticed or given much attention, yet he is an integral part of the functioning of the ranch. This serves as a commentary on the way that society tends to value certain occupations and people over others.
Overall, the swamper in "Of Mice and Men" may not be a main character, but he is an important and symbolic presence in the novella. He serves as a source of information, a foil to Candy, and a representation of the overlooked and undervalued members of society.
Candy’s Dog Symbol in Of Mice and Men
Slug of Whiskey: Equivalent to a hipflask of whiskey. He is a reminder of how society treats those who seem to be of no use. Welter: A boxer refers to welterweight, a weight class in boxing. When the other men arrive, George lets them believe that Lennie had the gun, and George wrestled it away from him and shot him. What does George find in the box by his bed and why does he get so angry? Throughout the novel, Curley is portrayed as an aggressive, violent man. He is most recognizable for two things in this novel: he is missing one hand and he has a really old, really smelly dog.
Of Mice and Men Chapter 2
Of Mice and Men 1939 publicity still. Lennie is left with Lennie flees back to a pool of the Salinas River that George had designated as a meeting place should either of them get into trouble. Luger: The Luger pistol was an expensive, high maintenance weapon manufactured and used primarily in the German army. He was given two hundred and fifty dollars as compensation, and when he hears George and Lennie talking about their dream of owning a farm, he is quick to offer the three hundred dollars he has in the bank so he can be part of it. Swamper is his nickname. The other men in the bunkhouse, annoyed by the dog's smell, encourage Candy to euthanize him. Lennie is afraid something bad is going to happen.
Of Mice and Men: Full Book Summary
Slim goes to the barn to do some work, and Curley, who is maniacally searching for his wife, heads to the barn to accost Slim. Betty Field Mae and Bob Steele Curley. Candy's character is one that is important in the novel. He fears that, like his dog, he will be deemed expendable at that point, and banished from the safety and security of the ranch. Curley, searching for an easy target for his anger, finds Lennie and picks a fight with him. Zane Grey: American adventure novelist 1872-1939.