The loudest places are the loneliest of them all. Similar to the town of solitude, despite the characters being surrounded by people, there is no trust and connection between them. As Candy, Crooks and Curley’s wife desperately battles their enforced loneliness from discrimination and prejudice, it reiterates Steinbeck’s message of how loneliness is inevitable as society is full of prejudice and inequality. It also highlights the utmost significance of companionship and how it helps people go through harsh times, knowing that there is always someone there to support them and watch out for them. Solitude can be enforced upon a person, likewise discrimination becomes the reason of social isolation at the ranch. Steinbeck presents imposed isolation …show more content…
In this case, George and Lennie have each other but people like Candy, Crooks and Curley’s wife does not have the luxury to have friends and companions, as they face prejudice and discrimination. In the ranch, unlike George and Lennie Slim says“ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.”(35); everyone lacks the trust and faith in finding friendship in Steinbeck’s bleak world. Instead, Lennie and George are able to battle through the harsh conditions in the Great Depression, in the process learning to live with one another and look out for each other. In the light of this, Candy’s companion is man’s best friend, he “ had him so long. Had him since he was a pup”(56) They share a deep bond which is parallel relationship with George and Lennie, they all depend on each other through ups and downs; sadly both friendships came to a bitter end. Additionally, Lennie may not be the brightest one but his loyalty and devotion to George makes them an inseparable pair of friends. In fact, Lennie is willing to give George anything because he believes that the best should be left for his friend, he says “If (ketchup) was here, you could have some… but I wouldn’t eat none… I’d leave it all for you.”(93-95) They may have hit a few “rough patches” but their friendship is unbreakable as they have each other’s support. All in all, the companionship helps to keep a man sane, providing the security and support everyone needs to battle through the different challenges in