Loneliness In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Of Mice And Men Essay The book, “Of Mice And Men” by John Steinbeck has considerable amount of great morals and themes. One that especially sticks out the most is the theme of loneliness explored throughout the book. Through the course of the book this theme is developed more as certain characters taste or comprehend the feeling of being alone. The first example explored is at the very beginning of the book where it is perspicuous that Lennie relies almost completely on George. They are having a talk about their future and they dream of when they obtain enough money to afford it. As they are chatting, Lennie with his kind-dumb personality keeps asking about the same idea, him tending the rabbits. George gets frustrated and snaps, then proceeds…show more content…
Crooks has a crooked back (hence his name) and is considered an outsider because of his skin color. Lennie, not knowing this profound stereotype, walks in and starts asking questions. Crooks, whilst applying cream to his sore back, feels threaten by Lennie and talks defensively. For example he says to Lennie, “you don’t belong here I am a Negro”. But then Crooks realizes Lennie’s personality and that he does not know about the black stereotype. Crooks then proceeds to talk to Lennie about personal events because he feels comfortable around Lennie. Right after Crooks observes that Lennie is paying no attention to what he is saying because Lennie is too simple minded. Crooks smiles and shows Lennie some gratitude. This book was set in a time where racial discrimination was high and Crooks was deemed an outcast. He had no one to talk to and no friends, so when Lennie came in it changed him. He immediately started talking to Lennie, showing that Crooks is a gregarious person, he just did not have anyone to talk to solely because of his skin color. The theme expressed here is a very important one because it can apply to anyone. That theme is sometimes people are not anti-social because they want to be, but because they are alone and have no one to be
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