Of Mice And Men Examples Of Loneliness

The Lonely Truth
Loneliness is like sitting in a dark chamber alone, aware of the absence of others, hearing no sound and seeing no light; you know there are others here, but they’re outside the box; and you can’t leave. The book ‘Of Mice and Men’, readers can see the toll and impact and loneliness, through the eyes of the characters themselves, and their experiences. The characters Crooks, Curley’s Wife, George, and Lennie are prime examples of loneliness and how it affects people differently based on how they deal with such a challenge.

Firstly, one way readers can view the toll of loneliness is through the experience of the character Crooks. Crooks is a black man who lived in an almost all-white neighborhood. He was different from the other kids physically, and there weren’t any other black

‘George wouldn't do nothing like that. I been with George a long time. He'll come back tonight-’ But the doubt was too much for him. ‘Don't you think he will?’ Crooks' face lighted with pleasure in his torture.” (Steinbeck, 72) (2). Crooks, knowing he finally has power over Lennie, bores into him with the idea that George will not return. This shows that Crooks, within his own despair, likes to bring others down to his level by taking advantage of an opportunity to bring himself up from his own despair. This is an effect of long-lasting loneliness because it shows lonely people really will do anything, even if it means torture for others, to even for a moment take away their sadness. “Crooks said irritably, "You can come in if you want.".... "Come on in. If ever'body's comin' in, you might just as well." It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger.” (Steinbeck 75) (3) Crooks, without a doubt, craves the company and companionship of another person but because he’s been lonely his entire life, he feels that he is expected or should be cold-hearted to everyone he meets; like it is natural or just the way things have to