The Importance Of Loneliness In Of Mice And Men

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Of Mice and Men The importance of loneliness in Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, is shown through different characters and their separate struggles and differences. Whether they are mentally, physically, or emotionally alone, it is obvious that this is a rapidly recurring theme in the renowned and prominent story. Curley’s wife has an underlying loneliness that she shields from the rest of the world. She despises Curley and is restricted in her other relationships and friendships by him. Lennie and George’s first encounter with the girl called Curley’s wife is in the bunk house, where she spends an astounding amount of her time. Her excuses are feeble, like this, her most commonly used: “’I’m tryin’ to find Curley, Slim.’…show more content…
When Steinbeck introduces him in the story, this is how the man’s relationships with other people is described: “[Crooks] kept his distance and demanded that other people keep theirs.” (67) Crooks’ loneliness is somewhat self-imposed because, as stated by Steinbeck, he pushes people away. He has decided that he would prefer being on his own to subjecting himself to being ridiculed due to his race and/or physical condition. Crooks has chosen his loneliness, but only because he fears it might be worse any other way. He is terrified of humiliation. Towards the middle of the book, there is a scene where Lennie invites himself into the black man’s room. When Candy shows up as well, slightly more confused and hesitant, this is Crooks’ reaction. “’Come on in. If ever’ body’s comin’ in, you might just as well.’ It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger.” (75) Even though Crooks isolates himself as much as possible, he longs for this not to have to be the case. He pretends to be angry when Candy and Lennie decide to visit him in his room, but underlying that front is pride and happiness. His disconnection from the rest of the ranch is just a show he puts on to protect himself. The wall is broken when he opened up to his new friends. After Curley’s wife enters the picture, Crooks’ composure changes. She had caused a disagreement with Crooks, Lennie…show more content…
Also, his closest companion for the longest time, his dog, was killed by the other men for euthanasia, which caused him a great devastation. When Carlson, the man with the most complaints of the old mutt’s health and stink, practically begs Candy to let him shoot it, Candy is obviously opposed. He argues, “’Well—hell! I had [the dog] so long. Had him since he was a pup. I herded sheep with him.’ He said proudly, ‘You wouldn’t think it to look at him now, but he was the best damn sheep dog I ever seen.’” (44) Candy was always very attached to his dog. Their relationship was a literal example of a dog being man’s best friend. He found confidence, pride, comfort and a sense of home in his dog. Because dogs are so loyal, he knew that the dog would be a faithful friend until the end. When Carlson and the other guys brought up euthanasia for it to put it out of it’s suffering, Candy becomes very touchy. He comes to his beloved dog’s defense as soon as possible, claiming that he was always a good dog, reliable, and useful, not to mention that they had been together since the dog was born. After this incident, Candy is eager for another friendship. When George and Lennie first show up at the ranch, Candy jumps at the chance for another life. After overhearing the two discussing their plans for a ranch, he makes a promise to them. “I’d make a will an’
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