"Of Mice and Men" Sample Answer

Discuss the theme of loneliness in Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men is set in Soledad, which means solitude or loneliness. This is certainly NOT accidental! Loneliness is a recurring theme throughout the novel. George expresses how, “Guys like us, that work on the ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world.” He acknowledges that it is only his friendship with Lennie which prevents him from becoming “hard”, like the ranch hands who travel alone.
Curley’s wife is lonely as she has nobody to talk to. She is a solitary woman in a male universe. Although she wears the red clothes of a harlot and is coquettish, this may be the only way to gain attention in a world where a man would visit brothels to:
“Get everything out of his system all at once.”
Seemingly, women are viewed as little more than sex objects.
Curley’s wife is never given a name, revealing her isolation from others. She complains that Curley only talks to her about fighting and “gets mad” when she talks to other men.
Another nameless character is Crooks – probably given this title as a nickname referring to his crooked back. Although an intelligent man and champion at the horse-shoe game, he is shunned by the other men because of his colour and disability. He “ain’t wanted in the bunkhouse” and lives the life of a recluse once work is done.
Candy is also a lonely man. He seems disinterested in life, having lost a hand and being relegated to position of Swamper, the worst post on the ranch. His one true companion, his dog, is shot to put it out of its misery. However, the mere promise of a place in George’s dream breathes life back into him
The sense of loneliness which pervades the book is perhaps best expressed at the very close of the novel. Carlson is so unfamiliar with friendship that he cannot comprehend George’s grief when Lennie is shot:“What the hell ya’ suppose is eatin’ them two guys?”