The Theme Of Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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English Essay “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck “Individuals that are different are often marginalised or isolated from the community in which they live”. How is this true for characters you have studies in the novel “of Mice and Men”? The Great Depression of the 1930’s was a turbulent time. Hundreds and thousands of people lost their homes and their jobs. John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men details the lives of several people going through these harsh times. Although the characters in the novel aren’t necessarily looking for money or a job, they are seeking companionship and reassurance that they are not alone. A deep sense of solitude dwells within the hearts of Crooks; an old black man treated unfairly because of his colour,…show more content…
Eventually, he tries to find a friendship by attempting to join the dream of Lennie and George. This is one of Candy’s desperate attempts to find a place in society and meaning in life. “I’ll wash dishes an little chick stuff like that.” Candy also offers to do it for free, in fact he offers to pay Lennie and George; “Maybe if I give you money, you’ll let me how in the garden even after I’m no good at it”. After Candy lost his dog, his only true companion that he had had most of his life, he suffered tremendously. Candy and his dog almost shared the same relationship of George and Lennie. Like Lennie, Candy’s dog depends on George to take care of him and show him what to do. Candy had his dog as a constant companion, now he felt worthless as he didn’t own a single important thing. Loneliness is an inevitable fact of life that not even the strongest can avoid. Throughout the story, Of Mice and Men, the reader feels remorse for the characters as they endure from the loneliness of the ranch. Crooks, Candy and Curley’s wife all suffer the inequality resulting in marginalisation and isolation. They learn to cope with their loneliness through their interest in Lennie and George’s

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