Of Mice And Men Loneliness Theme

An Analytical Look at the Themes in Of Mice and Men Upon reading the novel entitled “Of Mice and Men” written by John Steinbeck, a reader will most often notice three themes. These themes are enduring hardship to achieve the American dream, hope and happiness, and the contrast of loneliness and friendship. Included in this essay will be an analysis of these three themes along with direct quotation and some short paraphrasing. The Great Depression was a difficult time for all Americans. The economy was in a terrible state and many were forced to work just to meet the basic needs- food and shelter. Because of this, people moved around a lot looking for work. This is exactly what George Milton and Lennie Small faced in Of Mice and Men. The two men couldn’t be more different but they traveled from ranch to ranch earning enough to make it through the week. Their dream, however, was to one day have their own farm but George knew all too well that
An important theme is the contrast of loneliness and friendship that is expressed in the novel through all characters. The men move from place to place and rarely have anyone to look to for companionship because of their lifestyles. Crooks, another character in the novel, is outcasted because of his black race and is therefore extremely lonely. Curley’s wife is also suffering from loneliness because she is the only woman on Tyler Ranch and longs for attention. Loneliness is present everywhere. Many admit to suffering from loneliness, except for George and Lennie. George is a considerably intelligent hardworking man, while Lennie always manages to find trouble. He is equally hardworking yet has childlike qualities. Despite this, they have a bond that is united closely by their dream of owning a farm and are as close as brothers. George looks out for Lennie during the entirety of the novel and Lennie in return is a good friend to