Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Loneliness can be as dangerous as smoking a cigarette. The book “Of Mice and Men” written by John Steinbeck is based around the time period of the Great Depression. Two men named Lennie and George are looking for a job while on the run because due to a previous encounter that went badly between Lennie and a woman. They go into to hiding for a few days but eventually settle upon a farm, where they become employed. However, this was not the resolution to the story, Lennie and George encounter many struggles along the way revolving around loneliness and acceptance. In the book “Of Mice and Men” loneliness becomes a problem for some of the characters who are not accepted into the society, this is shown by Lennie(abilities) , Curley’s Wife (controlled,), and Crooks.color/race.

Lennie cries to George by acknowledging George doesn’t want to be around him, “"If you don't' want me I can g off in the hills an' find a cave”(103). Lennie is feeling an empathy on his back that he is not wanted by George, thus putting Lennie to feel less accepted by the George and the ranch workers. Lennie’s awareness of George treated him differently puts pressure on Lennie to try to fit in more and work harder. Lennie fears of being out manned, “I don’t want no fights,” as he has the protection from George. Lennie feels outnumbered by the other ranch workers who look at him differently and see him as a korky guy. His only hope for protection is George who is not always able to be right beside him , this makes it tough on George to feel accepted. Loneliness and acceptance is difficult for Lennie to find on the farm wirth the other workers because he suffers a mental disability that sets him