"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

John Donne

These famous words are often quoted because they reveal a truth. Everybody needs somebody. No one can live in total isolation. Every person is connected to others; therefore mankind is interconnected. Without a doubt, this is the case in life and in literature. Themes are defined as being the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, loneliness is one of the key factors for the main conflicts throughout the story.

Lennie James

Lennie James

Lennie James

These words certainly apply to both the major and minor characters in this story.

Perhaps no other characters in literature personify the close relationship between individuals more than the two main characters, George and Lennie. George travels with, and cares for, Lennie. Although he frequently speaks of how much better his life would be without his caretaking responsibilities, George is obviously devoted to Lennie. George's behavior is motivated by the desire to protect Lennie and, eventually, deliver them both to the farm of their dreams. Though George is often the story teller of life on their future farm, it is Lennie's childlike faith that enables George to actually believe his vision of their future. Due to his mild mental disability, Lennie entirely depends upon George, for guidance and...