Loneliness in of Mice and Men

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A novel which explores the the theme of loneliness is 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck. The characters George, Crooks, Candy and Curley's wife are used to show loneliness. In the novel the two main characters, George and Lennie, are starting a new job in California after being ordered out of their last job as a result of Lennie's childish behavior. They work as farm laborers and have always had a dream of they could own their own land. This dream they have is typically an aspiration that many people have but unfortunately never attain. Although, luckily enough they get offered money which by a character called Candy, and this sum of money boosts their chances of capturing their dream. However, the kindled hope they have soon evaporates, with tragic consequences. George's often dismaying desire is to accompany Lennie. Georges loneliness is very peculiar as unlike the other characters who face seclusion, George is united with a friend. However, Lennie is a phenomenally immature adult and as a result feels isolated. This affects him as he ends up either instructing or telling of Lennie when they talk which ultimately means George cannot have adult conversation, something which he deeply desires. An example of Lennie immaturity is shown when George enquires why he has a dead mouse. '' It on'y a mouse. Jus a dead mouse. George. I didn't kill it, honest. I found it dead''. The way Lennie tries to make out there is nothing wrong illustrates his lack of knowledge and insight into the world and shows how this may affect the interaction between the pair. It culminates in the assessment that although George may have a friend, he is so alien to normal individuals that in George's eyes, his human credibility is non-existent. Despite this, he has built a sound relationship with an innocent and nice person who he fears may suffer on his own. For these reasons he finds it difficult to detach himself from Lennie. Nonetheless, his decision to stay ultimately means he will be stuck with a person who he cannot have a grown-up relationship with and have the enjoyable experiences he might have if he was with a more intelligent person .Subsequently George is not able to live the way he wants to live as Lennie acts as a hindrance to his plans. George's reluctance to depart from Lennie's side generates a disservice for himself but at the same time he creates hope for Lennie who couldn't cope by his lonesome.

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