Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

There is a pre-found power of loneliness that roots within us as individuals. Whether it’s any situational variable such as physical isolation or closed doors to a companion. Each character in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men goes through a phase of cultivating themselves into a decree of loneliness. While Candy’s companion was destined to be murdered, Crooks never felt the presence of one. And there’s Curley’s wife - has a husband who craves the admiration of his marriage more than his wife. Within the different lives of each character, Steinbeck highlights the honor of having a companion with morals. Curley’s wife, known to be one of the loneliest people in this story also hits upon another aspect, powerlessness. Being the

I wish someone would shoot me" (Steinbeck 60). Candy, one of the ranch's upbeat characters, suggests that death is preferable to being of no use to himself or others. Steinbeck uses age as a symbol. Though we love some things more than ourselves, we must let them go at some point. Most importantly, even when those things are old or worn out in the eyes of many, it still holds worth in the eyes of a person who values them. When talking to Lennie and George about the dream, Candy adds “And they give me two hundred and fifty dollars ‘cause I lost my hand. An’ I got fifty more saved up right in the bank right now. That’s three hundred……..”(Steinbeck 60). Candy being excited jumps into the idea of owning a farm; getting his American Dream. Though, dreams symbolize lost lives and loneliness. Candy’s lost hand was able to fetch him some money and his lost dog gave him the motivation. Losing his companion gave Candy the courage and encouragement he was lacking. But, it brought him loneliness and he started to shrink within the memories that once

Curley’s wife had a companion who could care less about her but the pride of his marriage. Jealous and insecure, Curley never let his wife speak to the ranch hands. While Candy had a dog, it was taken away saying ‘it’s too old’ or ‘useless’ to himself and the others. As the dog had been taken away and shot, Candy was on the verge of losing himself amongst the people of the ranch. Crooks had his books and work to distract himself from the feeling of loneliness and being isolated. Being in dire need of a companion, he never found one. Loneliness is felt by everyone, everywhere - in a crowd of people, within the family, or even with our friends. But loneliness leads to ‘being alone’ and this isn’t the same. It’s just the person by themselves isolated from the others. It’s a feeling that structures the mind into thinking that this essence of loneliness will be forever. But this builds the body to exceed the expectations of the brain to find a companion even when it means their