Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

John Steinbeck frequently brings up the theme loneliness in the novel Of Mice And Men. He rarely lets two people grow close together by always introducing a conflict at an ideal time. Considering all of the characters don't only work, but live together most of the characters do not talk to or associate with each other. The characters are desperately in need of a person to open up to and become more than just colleagues.

Although all the characters work and live together, none of them connect with one another because they are only working at the ranch for money, a place to stay, a way to bypass the negative effects of the great depression and a way back into normal, civil life. All the men felt obligated to stay because they don’t have any

To begin, George thinks Lennie is incapable of talking for himself without screwing up. “‘...Now, look-I’ll give him the work tickets, but you ain’t gonna say a word, you jus’ stand there and don’t say nothing. If he finds out what a crazy bastard you are, we won’t get no job, but if he sees ya work before he hears ya talk, we’re set. Ya got that?’”(6). George thinks that just because Lennie isn’t the smartest person and has a speech and brain impairment than they won’t get the job. Secondly, Lennie is not aloud to talk to the boss as soon as they arrived at the ranch, and automatically regrets not listening to George's commands. “The boss pointed a playful finger at Lennie. ‘He ain’t much of a talker, is he?’ ‘No, he ain’t, but he’s sure a hell of a good worker. Strong as a bull.’ Lennie smiled to himself. ‘Strong as a bull,’ he repeated. George scowled at him, and Lennie dropped his head in shame at having forgotten.” (21-22). George makes Lennie feel bad for talking for himself causing Lennie to put himself down. Additionally, as soon as they get to the ranch George speaks for Lennie because he doesn’t want him to mess up this chance of work. “In a panic, Lennie looked at george for help. ‘He’s a good skinner. He can rassel grain bags, drive cultivator. He can do anything. Just give him a try.’ The boss turned to george. ‘Then why don’t you let him answer? What you trying to pull over?’” (22). George doesn’t think Lennie is capable of having his own voice without saying something wrong and mess up this opportunity to join the ranch. Lennie is alway put off and looked at as a burden and just a worker by George so that he can get a good job and fulfill the american