The Theme Of Companionship In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Companionship is a necessity for those seeking happiness and peace of mind within their lives. Without any faith in others, people will suffer from loneliness and sorrow.This idea is presented in the novella, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck. The text delineates the lives of multiple characters who have experienced pain as a result of their alienation from others. These characters include a back man, named Crook’s, who is separated from society because of his skin color, Curley’s wife who, in the time period, was treated with disrespect because of her gender, and two itinerant farm laborers, George and Lennie, once the best of friends, who have lost each other in a world of fear and misfortune. This concept of isolation is developed through

Finally, the literary device of foreshadowing is used in order to hint upon future events as a result of loneliness. Steinbeck foreshadows forthcoming conflicts within the story due to a lack of companionship and trust amongst the farmers. After being shamed by the men, Curley’s wife declares, “‘You’re all scared of each other, that’s what. Ever’ one of you’s scared the rest is going’ to get something on you’” (Steinbeck 77). By accusing the men of being fearful and skeptical of one another, Curley’s wife hints upon disputes and predicaments that are to soon arise on the ranch. For instance, Lennie has a compelling desire to stroke soft things due to his mental illness. Subsequently, Lennie becomes the cause of his puppy 's death after petting it too forcefully. In an attempt comfort Lennie, Curley’s wife offers Lennie a piece of her hair for him to stroke. Following this, Lennie loses all self-control, shaking Curley’s wife and, eventually, snapping her neck. As a result of the chaos created by Lennie, the true morbidity of the other farmers is revealed after forming a group with intentions to lynch Lennie. Even George, Lennie’s only true friend in life, makes the final decision to shoot Lennie in the back of the head in order to relieve himself of the burden that is Lennie, himself. The men’s inability to look past Lennie’s mistake reveals their lack of trust and companionship amongst one another, all of which was foreshadowed by the blatant words spoken by Curley’s wife. Lastly, Steinbeck foreshadows the betrayal of friends, leading to loneliness, pain, and suffering. After an outburst between George and Lennie, Lennie decides that it would only be best if he leaves George to go live alone in a cave. After this being said, George opposes Lennie’s suggestion by saying, “‘I want you to stay with me, Lennie. Jesus Christ, somebody’d shoot you for a coyote if you was by yourself’” (Steinbeck 12). George’s opposition hints upon Lennie being alone at the end of