For example, the boss is suspicious of George and does not believe in friendships: "What stake do you have in this guy? Are you taking away his salary?" (22). This shows that the boss has never seen anyone have such a strong friendship and only assumes that George is using Lennie for his money. Carlson also reveals the cruelty of human nature through the way he treats Candy. Candy is a lonely old man who has no other company than his dog. For him, the dog is more than a smelly animal, he is there to guide and share life with Candy. Carlson mentions that he wants to kill the dog and Candy is skeptical of his answer. Candy tries to postpone it, but finally gives in to Carlson's plea. Candy has been attached to this dog all her life, and now that he is dead, he is abandoned without a companion. This shows us the savagery of humanity. Candy admits that he's going to get fired soon because he's too old and that men believe that when you get older, "you're not good for him or anyone else" (60). Another character who exemplifies cruelty is Crooks, an isolated character. Crooks remembers his past rather than planning for his future. His desire for freedom and equality is demonstrated when Crooks bitterly tells Lennie: "Suppose you have no one, a man needs some one - to be near him." . .a guy goes crazy if he doesn't have anyone. . .A guy feels too alone and he gets sick” (72). Scammers