Early in Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck's stark, barebones description of the bunkhouse setting indirectly characterizes the ranch hands as institutionalized, rootless men, oblivious to their own isolation. Although the "long, rectangular building" serves as home for several men, the "whitewashed" walls and "unpainted" floor betray a sterile, institutional holding area. In startling contrast with the optimism of George and Lennie's dream, the "small, square windows" and "bunks...showing their burlap ticking" make it
