A swamper cleans the bunks in the bunkhouses
The old swamper is Candy, an elderly ranch hand with a missing hand. When George and Lennie arrive at the ranch, Candy tells them about the boss and the other workers, warns them about Curley's aggressive behavior, and shares some information about the ranch and its operations. He also mentions his aging dog, which becomes a significant part of the story later on.
Candy lost his hand in a machinery accident so he is a swamper on the ranch.
Old Swamper has a few pets, including dogs, cats, and a few chickens. He enjoys their company and they help keep him company while he works on the ranch.
A swamper on a ranch may use tools such as shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, chainsaws, and pruning shears for tasks like clearing brush, maintaining fences, and landscaping. They may also utilize materials like fencing materials (such as wire and posts), irrigation equipment, and safety gear like gloves and helmets. Additionally, swamper may use vehicles such as ATVs or tractors for transportation and hauling tasks.
candy the old swamper (cleaner) greeted George and Lennie at the bunkhouse
The old swamper Candy calls Curley's wife an old tart in "Of Mice and Men". He uses this derogatory term to express his disapproval of her flirtatious behavior around the ranch workers.
Lennie and George are greeted by Candy, an aging "swamper," or handyman, who has lost his right hand.
In "Of Mice and Men," a swamper is a slang term for a janitor or a handyman who performs various cleaning and maintenance tasks on a ranch. The character Candy in the novel is an example of a swamper.
The old swamper in "Of Mice and Men" describes Curley's wife as a troublemaker and dangerous due to her flirtatious behavior with the ranch workers. He warns George and Lennie to stay away from her to avoid getting into trouble with Curley.
The swamper tells George that Curley wears a glove on his left hand that is full of Vaseline to keep it soft for his wife. He mentions that Curley is always looking for trouble and picking fights with the workers on the ranch.
A bunkhouse swamper is a person responsible for cleaning and maintaining accommodations such as bunkhouses or living quarters, particularly in industries like logging or mining where workers reside on-site. They ensure the living spaces are kept clean, organized, and in good condition for the residents.
The old swamper, Candy, mentions that the boss gave the men a gallon of whiskey on Christmas Day and that he's a pretty nice fella. He also says the boss does not get mad about the men horsing around in the bunkhouse, showing he is easygoing.