Everybody has their own aspect of what a perfect world is, or a utopian world. In John Steinbecks book, Cannery Row is illustrated by outcasts, in a type of perfect world, that are shown as being gods yet at the same time they hold traits that are completely opposite. Above each of these outcasts, Doc is held up as being the godliest of them all. Though, at the same time negative aspects can be observed about him.
Doc is a very brilliant and compassionate man. Though his being the only highly intelligent resident in Cannery Row is what sets him apart from others. Every single person respects and idolizes Doc, but at the same time, no one can fully comprehend him or give Doc complete company. Even while Hazel accompanies Doc on a trip to the tide pools, Doc is very much shown as being out casted from Hazel and everybody else. In response to Hazels question about stink beetles, Doc answers, The remarkable thingisnt that they put their tails up in the air- the really incredible thing is that we find it remarkable (38). Docs answer is full of respectable wisdom and insight on how he sees peoples curiosity. However, it is clear that Hazel does not obtain the concept of Docs thought by him later telling the guys, You cant understand a thing he says. Know what he said about stink bugs? No- I better not tell you (50). Where as Doc dives into the thought of how deeply people want to figure out miniscule things in life, Hazel doesnt even comprehend what Doc means. Not only does Hazel not understand what Doc means, but Hazel also implies that his friends wouldnt be able to view Docs insight as well. This really sets Doc apart since people cant understand his thoughts and he cant take comfort in having a full productive conversation with anyone. Sadly, Doc is all alone in this sense.
Doc does, however, have the company of every resident of Cannery Rows respect and admiration. Through out the book Cannery Row Doc is shown as being the one everyone looks up to and asks help from. While describing Doc, Steinbeck even states, Everyone who knew him was indebted to him. And everyone who thought of him thought next, I really must do something nice for Doc (29). Doc does so much to help in Cannery Row that not just a few people, but everybody felt they owed him something. It also isnt a negative thing because people want to do something nice for doc.
Even though Doc helps many people hes constantly showed as somebody who doesnt respect girls fully. Hes portrayed in this way when Steinbeck says, It is said that he has helped many a girl out of one trouble and into another (28). Even though Doc is a helpful person he doesnt exactly help girls. In a way he is a womanizer and sleeps with many girls all the time. In addition to being a womanizer, Doc is also a drunk. He drinks so much that one of his friends states, You love beer so much. Ill bet some day youll order a beer milkshake (103). This implies that Doc drinks so much that hed even go as far as drinking something some thing very strange.
The things that make Doc seem so godly set him apart and mold him into an outcast among others in Cannery Row. Though in the group of outcasts Doc, himself, is an outcast. Nobody understands Docs views and thoughts for he is the most intelligent resident through out Cannery Row. He does have the company of everyones admiration yet at the same time Doc does things that are questionable. Doc is a caretaker, adviser, and a respectable man. On the other side, though, Doc is also an outcast, a drunk, and a womanizer.
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