Themes From "Of Mice And Men" - Loneliness and Isolation

One of the themes in the book is loneliness and isolation which is shown through characters such as George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, and Curley's wife. All of the characters are searching for a friend, but they settle for strangers to share their feelings. George and Lennie are workers that move from place to place with no friends besides each other, Candy is an old worker that has no friends or comfort besides his dog which is executed due to its old age. After the death of Candy's dog Candy finds comfort in the idea of joining George and Lennie in their dream for their ranch. Crooks is black and has a crooked back, he believes that life is no good without a friend or partner to turn to in times of need. Crooks himself has no companion and he does not believe that George and Lennie will accomplish their dream of their farm but asks if they do indeed accomplish it if he could have a patch of land to hoe. Curley's wife admits to Lennie, Candy and Crooks that she is lonely and unhappy with her marriage and that all she wants is someone to talk to. This theme of loneliness really shapes the book and its characters. It is one of the most important themes of the book. -Nick