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The Role Of Isolation In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

491 Words2 Pages

Being isolated from people can be a scary thing. Imagine when life doesn't go one’s way, not having someone to talk to. Some people can be extremely affected by not having someone by their side. In the novel of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, George and Lennie are friends, and both depend on each other, but Lennie may depend on George more. the author suggests that over time, being isolated can negatively affect one’s feelings by making individuals have bitter thoughts because they long for a companionship that they never had. Many isolated individuals can become jealous of people who have a strong relationship, because they don't have a companion. For example Carlson is very jealous of Candy’s relationship with his dog. He wants to break …show more content…

Toward the end of the novel, Carlson is very insensitive to the fact that George had to kill Lennie, and is still in shock. He says, “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?”(107). Carlson just doesn't understand what it's like to lose a strong relationship, because he never had one. Therefore, he is extremely insensitive to George.
Another example is when Carlson wanted to shoot Candy’s dog. He says, “Whyn't you get Candy to shoot his old dog...Candy feeds him milk. He can't chew nothing else”(36). Candy has had that dog for a long time, but Carlson doesn't consider that. He just wants to shoot the dog, because it's very old, and can't eat much. He doesn't even think about how Candy might feel, because that was the only true relationship he had. Carlson has become insensitive towards others from being isolated, and not have a true relationship. Isolation is an abstract thing to think about, but all the outcomes of being isolated are negative ones. In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the author suggests that being isolated can negatively change how individuals act and perceive things. Whether it's being insensitive toward others, or becoming jealous of others, isolation can change the person you used to

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