Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Loneliness attacks the most vulnerable of people; it settles into those who have lost friends or those who have broken dreams, and it leaves a deep feeling of isolation in them. This isolation causes desperation and longing for something as ordinary as conversation. In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Steinbeck creates a portrayal of loneliness through significant characters by the names of Curley’s wife, Crooks, and Candy. The story is situated on a farm where ranchmen work hard to make just enough to lose, again and again. However, even in this seemingly unfriendly environment of men who all share the similar trait of reservedness, two characters by the name of George and Lennie establish an unrealistic dream of success. But the hardships …show more content…
This loneliness is first shown when he is described by Candy after George and Lennie arrive at the bunkhouse. Crooks is mentioned when Candy describes a past Christmas night, where Crooks was let into the bunkhouse. Candy further explains that the only time Crooks was allowed in the bunkhouse was that Christmas night, where he was beat in a fight. Still, this is the only time Crooks has company or any role in the book so far, which suggests that he leads a lonesome life. After this brief introduction, Crooks is rarely mentioned until his unexpected meeting with Lennie in his bedroom. He talks to Lennie about his loneliness, using George as an example to get Lennie to understand how he feels. At first, Crooks does not want Lennie in his room, but later submits to it. This portrayal of Crooks’ loneliness subtly reveals his, alike the other characters, longing for companionship. Although he sounds rather annoyed at Lennie’s unwarranted appearance in his room, Crooks enjoys the conversation, as it is the only one he partakes in. Furthermore, when Crooks seems to be “torturing” Lennie using Crooks’ example of George to represent his own loneliness, he merely wants some sympathy, as shown when his “face [lights] with pleasure” (71) as Crooks forces Lennie into feeling the kind of lonely life that Crooks lives. His loneliness is shown again when he asks Candy to join the dream farm. Candy and Lennie talk about the dream farm, and Crooks gains interest in joining. In a hesitant and timid manner, he asks Candy to join in. Through his desperate attempt in creating a lasting relationship with someone, he shows his desire for companionship, resulting from the loneliness he has been so unfairly thrown into. His conversation with other men gives him a sense of confidence; he is unlike what he had been when Lennie first walked into the bedroom. However, after