Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Being a human in this world can be tough. Loneliness, isolation and a desire to feel comforted and accepted are feelings that every single person goes through in one stage of their life. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, teaches the reader a terrible lesson about the nature of human existence. Most characters feel lonely and isolated at some point. Steinbeck uses structure and word choice to explore the theme that humans will struggle for power in order to avoid loneliness. Steinbeck uses visual imagery and diction to show how the characters strive for power.
Curley thought the world revolved around him. Due to this he usually picked on Lennie to make him feel superior: “‘Well nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke to’” (26). Clearly, Steinbeck’s …show more content…
From the beginning of the story his life is bleak but it only got worse and worse. Steinbeck uses visual imagery, similes, diction, and symbols to further explain Candy’s desolation. His desolation starts on page eighteen. ‘ He pointed with his right arm, and out of the sleeve came a round stick- like wrist, but no hand’ (18). In account of Candy not having an arm his work became harder for him; he therefore has the worst job of everyone, swamper. The setting of the story also affected Candy. Because the story was written during the great depression, disabled people had it really tough to find a new job. His disability restrained him from finding a new job. Therefore he had to continue struggling with the job on the ranch. The ranchers on the ranch didn’t help Candy either. When the ranchers forced Candy to kill his dog, they literally killed his past and his future. ‘ “If you was was to take him out and shoot him right in the back of the head.-”(45) When Carlson kills the dog, he has destroyed the will for Candy to live. Candy is powerless and desperately lonely. After his dog’s death Candy is the best example of my theme. Using visual imagery the author uses diction to explain how lonely and isolated Candy was after the death of his dog. Candy lay rigidly on his bed staring at the ceiling.’ (48) Steinbeck uses ‘rigidly’ to explain how disappointed and distraught Candy was that he didn’t even care if he lay there in uncomfortable position. Yet when Candy felt that bit of geniality he fought for it. Steinbeck uses dialogue between Candy and George to give the reader an insight as to how Candy has been allowed into George’s American Dream. The dream made Candy feel accepted and upbeat due to his part that he is playing in the