The Effects Of Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

“No man ever discovers the depths of his own loneliness” (Brainyquote) In the words of George Bernanos, when people are left alone with their thoughts, it’s enough to drive the unsuspecting victim to the brink of madness. In the novella Of Mice and Men by the infamous author John Steinbeck, the main duo George and Lennie to encounter many characters who have seemed to have suffered the long term effects from the plaguing disease that is loneliness. A few of those characters being Crooks, the loneliness forcing him to put up bitter and defensive walls, Curley’s wife yearning for company so much that some accuse her of being some pretty vulgar things, and Candy, who was willing to give up everything just to be apart of the main characters Lennie and George’s dream. The novella takes place during the rough times where segregation was still an issue, gradually turning Crooks into quite the aloof and defensive man. Lennie had been left alone in the bunkhouse when George had left with the other workers to go into town. As he let his child like curiousity get the better of him, he found himself in Crooks’ secluded room in the barn. Consequently, Crooks was quick to turn him away. “Well go see your pup, then. Don’t come in a place where you’re not wanted.” (Steinbeck 69) When the oblivious and simple-minded Lennie let his curiosity lead him to Crook’s room, where he lived alone, Crooks was very quick to turn him away despite never properly meeting him. Having been treated unfairly simply for his race, Crooks had accepted the fact that he wouldn’t be allowed to join the other men in the bunkhouse, not allowed to play …show more content…
Whether it be Crooks’ gradual bitterness, Candy’s Wife poor portrayal, or Candy’s desperateness for friendship. These characters fighting silent battles as they went about their lives, unknowingly having their personalities morphed around said loneliness. Quite