Isolation In 'Of Mice And Men'

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Kaitlin Pauli Hour 6 Pabst At the End of Each Frienship, Lonliness Waits Stienback uses setting to symbolize dehumanization, loneliness and loyalty to convey a themes of isolation and how the American Dream isn’t achieveable for everyone. In Mice and Men, Stienback brings to light the reality of discrimination against people of color. For example, Crooks, the stable hand, lives by himself because he is the only black man on the ranch. “Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black.” (Page 68). He is neglected by society and is viewed as undesirable due to the color of his skin. Despite being a lone wolf, he still desires contact with human beings, ‘"Come on in and set a while," Crooks said. "'Long as you won't get out and leave me alone, you might as well set down."’ (Page 69) . Not only is he isolated by his peers, but his bunk conditions are poor, and are uncanily similar to that of a horse. “Crook’s bunk was filled with straw, on which his blankets were flung” (Page 66). It’s likely that …show more content…

However, Candy is somewhat forced to have his dog killed to put it out of it’s misery. It can be noted that Candy did not want to loose him after reminising on all the history the two had shared together, “Well-hell! I had him so long. Had him since he was a pup. I herded sheep with him.” (Page 44). But eventually he is given no other choice and Carlson takes his dog away. When Slim offers a new dog to replace Candy’s old one, he responds with nothing, proving his loyality to his life long companion. ‘“Candy, you can have any one of them pups you want’. Candy did not answer.” (Page 48) The theme of lonlieness is most apparent after the dog is taken away and the setting is described. “The silence fell on the room again. It came out of the night and invaded the room.” (Page 48). This description creates an eiery, isolated