Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The Great Depression was a tragic period in American history, and millions of Americans lost their jobs during this time. Women and African-Americans suffered the most, and they were often subjected to misery and isolation by society. As shown among the characters in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, loneliness festers underneath a shield of indifference and hostility in people who desire to belong.
As an outcast from society, Crooks’ life of solitude causes him to be a bitter and spiteful man, reluctant to reveal his desperation for human company. For example, on Saturday night, Lennie innocently attempts to make friends with Crooks; however, Crooks is immediately contemptuous, snarling, “ ‘You got no right to come in my room. This here's my room. Nobody got any right in here but me’ ” (Steinbeck 33). Because Crooks is a racially discriminated against black man, he is used to being scorned by everyone; therefore, he despises most people and would rather be left alone to protect himself from further derision, as well as to conceal his deeper feelings of desolation and despair. Crooks’ room is the only place that Crooks feels he has complete control over, and this causes him

If ever'body's comin' in, you might just as well.’ It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger” (Steinbeck 37). Although he would never admit it, Crooks is inwardly euphoric because for the first time he feels like he has bonded with other outcasts of society, and the flames of loneliness within him gnawing his soul have partially diminished. To maintain his prideful reputation, Crooks feigns annoyance and frustration, but connecting with people like him gives Crooks confidence and pleasure that he hasn’t ever felt before. Crooks has such a strong, hidden craving to be accepted by everyone else, and the loneliness he has experienced throughout most of his life is what led to his grizzly personality and unhappiness as a