Isolation In Of Mice And Men

No one wishes to go through isolation and doubt their self-worth, but humanity has felt its presence at least once. According to Harry Owen Taylor “social isolation and loneliness are significant risks to health among older adults” (Taylor). The more individuals “get out” and associate themselves with others, the more diminutive the feeling of loneliness gets. If one chooses not to, they could end up risking their physical or mental health in the long run, the longer they go without it. Humans need positive social interaction to stay healthy. “...A guy gets too lonely an’ he gets sick.” (Steinbeck 73) Comparable to environmental influences, young and older adults can struggle with isolation and “fitting in”. Peers' social interaction and environment

In the novella, Steinbeck uses loneliness as the universal connector. Of Mice and Men presents varied lonely characters, Crooks and Lennie displaying it the most, as two set apart from the others, ultimately destroying their confidence and their wish of “fitting in”. Steinbeck uses the two to diminish each other's loneliness. Through their setbacks, lack of visual appearance, and quiet charms, John Steinbeck uses the environmental and societal influences of the times to show Crooks and Lennie as the outsider archetype, as displayed through their loneliness and treatment by others on the ranch. The Campaign to End Loneliness shows that this is still a modern problem that has yet to be solved. Though there have been movements like this to put loneliness to an end, the social injustice tailored towards quiet and struggling people was not set aside with the segregation and violence of Crooks and Lennie. One can rapidly comprehend that Of Mice and Men still displays relevance toward the current world and continues to embody the theme of loneliness and isolation shown through the segregation of Crooks and the bullying and ridiculing of

A comment he makes is, “Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets land.” (Steinbeck 74). Here, he is already set apart mentally. His loneliness is caused by the segregation he experiences while on the ranch. He is also the sole colored person on the entire ranch, another factor in his issue. Section 4 of the novella starts with a conversation between Crooks and Lennie. “Why ain’t you wanted?”... “ ‘Cause I’m black…..but I can’t play because I’m black.” (Steinbeck 68). Crooks acknowledges and realizes that he is being discriminated against due to his color. Through the presentation of Lennie, Crooks starts to find his way. Throughout their conversation, Lennie gradually breaks Crooks shell just a little bit, then his tone gets more inviting and friendlier. The two eventually start to bond. Steinbeck uses Lennie as a solution to help fix the loneliness that once laid within his soul, but now is floating away. In their conversation, it’s clear to see that something in Crooks’ mind is changing. Even with Lennie’s efforts, Steinbeck's article, The Harvest Gypsies, suggests that Crooks isn’t alone.