Of Mice and Men Essay
In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck loneliness is a theme that plays out the entire novel affecting almost every character. Nearly all of the characters display a "handicap" some that aren't as obvious as others. Whether because of a physical or mental handicap, age, class, race, or gender, almost everyone finds themselves outside the structures of social power, and each suffers greatly as a result.
Lennie James
Lennie James
Lennie JamesLennie's handicap is quite obvious, Lennie is mentally challenged and doesn't understand things even though he tries so hard. Take for example his puppy he doesn't understand his own strength so he accidentally kills the dog. "You ain't so little as mice. I didn't bounce you hard.", he talks to the puppy questioning it on why it died. He is worried George will be mad, Lennie lives to make George happy. Lennie knows that he is different from everyone he works with and this sets him apart and causes his loneliness. Characters in the novel find it comforting talking to Lennie, he doesn't understand much so you can say anything to him. Curly's wife found talking to Lennie comforting but not realizing his danger her attempt to comfort him ended in her tragic demise. Curly's wife expressed her loneliness to Lennie, "Why can't I talk to you? I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely," she told him her failed hopes of becoming a movie star and her misery of being married to Curly.
Crooks also becomes fond of Lennie. Crooks is set apart from others by his race he is not allowed to live in the same quarters as the white workers and this makes him bitter. His race causes his loneliness.
Candy, an ageing handyman is...