The Theme Of Loneliness In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Isolation, emptiness, heartache; all emotions that the human race is plagued with. Feelings of loneliness can drive people insane. Human interaction is important to the mind, if nobody can rely on anybody they will feel trapped and scared. Many novels attempt to portray the loss of friendship within hard time periods. The characters Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife all display loneliness in their own way in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. First, Candy becomes lonely, losing much of his friendship and companionship in the book. Being the only elderly man on the ranch, it is difficult to make new connections. Initially, this does not prove to be much of an issue, as he has a senile sheepdog that he keeps for company and comfort. Their connections run deep as Candy describes, “‘I had him so long. Had him since he was a pup. I herded sheep with him’” (Steinbeck 44). Sadly, the rancid dog annoys co-workers, especially Carlson. He suggests shooting the dog and putting it out of its suffering, failing to see the hound’s importance to the senior. Candy, distraught, insisted that it is not necessary and the dog is fine, but Carlson hammers away, eventually gaining support from other workers. Reluctantly, Candy gives in, but barely speaks the rest of the night, stunned to silence. Later he laments “‘I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog’” (61). His only friend has been taken away from him and he has nowhere to turn within his numbered days. …show more content…
Candy; with his only friend ripped away from him, Crooks; segregated for his skin, and Curley’s wife; shunned out of fear and beaten by her husband. All these people reach out to new community to become healthier. Without a companion, one will grow distant from society. Having social interaction is important to life and everyone's well