Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Written in the late 1930's, the novel "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck is a perfect representation of the loneliness and depression which surrounded the citizens of the United States in the Great Depression. In a time period where the weak were eliminated, "Of Mice and Men" tells the story of two friends (George and Lennie) and their tragic pursuit for contentment. Throughout their journey, these two friends encounter several people who reflect the grim reality of the era. Although all of these characters have very different backgrounds, all of them hold in common the burning desire for companionship. Unfortunately, this burning desire is a euphoria that no character obtains. Throughout the story, George and Lennie represent the power of human companionship. Without George, Lennie simply would not be able to survive in a world where the weak are constantly destroyed. In the eyes of George, Lennie is his only friend and is the companion that most men in this time period desperately crave. Together, these two men are able to lean on each other regardless …show more content…

Candy is a lonely old handyman who constantly fears of losing his job. Crooks is a bitter, crippled black man who is not even allowed in the same house as the others. Even Curly, the main antagonist, is constantly attempting to make himself seem more powerful than he really is, and is lonely enough to marry a women who does not even like him. Because of the loneliness that these men harbor, there is either a total loss of faith for a better future, such as Crooks, or a desire to cling to whatever hope may come their way, such as Candy. When Lennie comes into Crook's barn, Crooks tells Lennie "Just like heaven. Ever'body wants a little piece of lan'. I read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land" (Steinbeck

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