Hope

     Candy has been made out a frail old man, called a cripple, and then companions come along. He offers them funds and time to try to fuel their dream; also he tries to hitch a ride along. His stump makes him nearly unuseable. If the boss fired him, then he would last a few months at most with what he had. Candy has had this deep yearning to know that he does not have to provide for anyone else, and that he could make it on and job he could obtain.
     Candy strives to make himself worthy of a job, and still has concern for his job. The mindset that he will get "[canned]... purty soon" is what keeps him working. His determination will not stop even though his working years are numbered. The only thing that could stop him is his old age. The downside of "losing" his "right hand...on [the] ranch" proved to be challenging. By saving up most of the money; he proved that he is clever, and has restraint. The boss could have recognized this and provided him with a more suitable job.
     Fretting over the future Candy will never know where he will live. He "wisht somebody'd shoot" him "but they won't do nothing like that." When Carlson shot his dog it brought the thought that no one would make sure he did not suffer when he was as poor as the dog. No human would let him go, because of the fact that he is human too. Candy "won't have no place to go, an'... can't get no jobs." The Great Depression was raging, and the homeless shelters were full every day. Even if he can get into one, he would not make it back each time.
     Both George and Lennie are the cause of such great hope and disapointment. Lennie "shook her; and her body flopped like a fish" when Curly's wife died. Candy had such hopes in these two. While Lennie inknowlingly was able to crush what high hopes he had. "Three hundred, and [he] got fifty more comin" was what was going to be given for the house. Candy heard George talking this over and jumped right in. He also had the idea to work as a cook for George.
     Even though Candy has been let down, lost hope, and will lose his job. He never falls short on will power. He keeps on going. No one can deny that he has been through alot, and still can renew his hope.