close
test_template

The Theme of Loneliness in The Novella "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 827 |

Pages: 2|

5 min read

Published: Sep 25, 2018

Essay grade:
Satisfactory
arrow downward Read Review

Words: 827|Pages: 2|5 min read

Published: Sep 25, 2018

Essay grade:
Satisfactory
arrow downward Read Review

The relationship between abundance and isolation is conveyed in a variety of assorted techniques in John Steinbeck’s, Of Mice And Men. Therefore, this poetically expressed non-fiction novella is mainly regarding the concept of loneliness when it comes to the protagonists in the story, which are Lennie and George. Furthermore, acknowledging the contrast between Lennie and George’s personas, it is safe for it to be said that factors such as mental illness and habitual behaviors have an influential impact on the characters’ seclusion. Consequently, there is no doubt that humans in general crave contact with others in order to live a meaningful life. After taking this into consideration, Lennie, Crooks, Candy, and Curley’s wife can be derived as victims of loneliness.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

It is evident that loneliness is presented constantly throughout this story. Specifically, George’s responsibility for taking care of Lennie and the American Dream are attempts to break the continuous pattern of of isolation. As a result, when the two men had arguments, George would always refer to Lennie as a burden, which prevented him from living the lonesome life he had always wanted. In the text, Steinbeck writes, “...if I was alone I could live so easily… an’ whatta I got, I got you!” (Steinbeck 11). George’s outburst supports the fact that he wishes to live in solitude, meaning a life without Lennie. By all means, without George, Lennie would live a

life full of sorrow without him knowing it. People would take advantage of his mental retardation, and as George stated, “somebody’d shoot you for a coyote if you was by yourself” (Steinbeck 13). In addition, loneliness always seemed to interfere with George and Lennie’s relationship.

However, Lennie and George are not the only characters who face loneliness in Steinbeck’s Of Mice And Men. Although loneliness is demonstrated in all the characters throughout the story to some degree, Crooks and Candy’s isolation is most evident. Candy often tried to fight his upcoming loneliness by refusing to be kept apart by his dog. Unfortunately, Curley insisted on killing the only companion Candy had, which brought him his tragic loneliness. The quote, “Cany did not answer. The silence fell on the room again. It came out of the night and invaded the room” (Steinbeck 49), supports the idea of how Candy begins to suffer from isolation as soon as he no longer has anyone to be with. Even though time has passed since Candy’s tragedy, he continues to remain in despair and desolates himself from the rest of the ranch workers. Following this theory, Crooks is also a victim of loneliness along with Lennie and Candy. His physical disability and skin color is very much like Lennie’s mental illness. Crooks is often looked down on and persistently made to seem different from the rest of the ranch workers. “‘Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink” (Steinbeck 68). The previous quote supports the idea of Crooks being discriminated against due to his skin color and polar opposite characteristics. Although, his physical traits are not the only thing that isolate him from everyone else. His lack of respect when it comes to other’s business is

what also secludes him. Both Candy and Crooks’ desire to be liberated and live a tranquil life is revealed when they are interested in The American Dream, introduced to them by Lennie and George.

The pattern of only men living desolate lives is soon broken when Curley’s wife is proven to be a lonely character in the story. She too has been afflicted by isolation, due to her being the only female in the ranch. As if her gender was not already enough to make her exceptionally different from everyone else, her husband, Curley, has forbidden her talk to anyone. Curley’s wife rebels against him by flirting with all the ranch workers and giving them “the eye”. This is because of Curley not paying any attention to her, so psychologically, she

craves flattery. As Of Mice And Men comes to an end, Curley’s wife expresses her thoughts to Lennie. “Why can’t I talk to you? I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely” (Steinbeck 86). This quote accurately proves the fact that Curley’s wife feels extremely lonely because of her limitation set by her husband when it comes to communication. While it is true that Curley’s wife had a few malicious actions here and there, they were not all intentional, judging by how she was emotionally abused by her husband.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Overall, the characters stated to be lonely and isolated were proven to have either been either physically or emotionally unstable. Factors such as discrimination, ignorance, restrain, and mockery all affect the internal state of someone. Loneliness does not always occur by simple isolating actions that others do. Even though the state of loneliness can be sorrowful, everyone must go through it in order to value and see the beauty in association.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was graded by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
Essay’s grade:
Satisfactory
What’s grading
minus plus
Expert Review
The essay is a decent analysis of the central theme in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. In terms of organization, the essay follows a logical structure, starting with an introduction that briefly summarizes the novella's plot and introduces the theme of loneliness. However, it has some areas for improvement in its overall organization, focus, sentence structure, and voice. The essay's focus is generally clear, but some of the arguments are too simplistic and lack sufficient evidence. Overall the essay has some areas for improvement in its overall organization, focus, sentence structure, and voice.
minus plus
What can be improved
In terms of organization, the essay follows a logical structure, starting with an introduction that briefly summarizes the novella's plot and introduces the theme of loneliness. However, the essay lacks clear subheadings to guide the reader through the analysis of different aspects of the theme. Additionally, the conclusion is weak and does not provide a satisfying summary of the essay's main points. The essay's focus is generally clear, but some of the arguments are too simplistic and lack sufficient evidence. For example, the author argues that the characters' loneliness is a result of their isolation from others, but does not provide enough examples to support this claim. Moreover, the essay could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of the role that loneliness plays in the novella's themes, symbols, and motifs. In terms of sentence structure, the essay uses mostly simple sentences, which can make the writing seem repetitive and unengaging. Moreover, some of the sentences are poorly constructed, making it difficult for the reader to understand the author's meaning. For example, the following sentence is awkwardly phrased: "Steinbeck uses the relationship between George and Lennie to portray the theme of loneliness through their dream of owning a farm and how this is the only way they believe they will not be lonely."

Cite this Essay

The Theme of Loneliness in the Novella “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck. (2018, September 14). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-theme-of-loneliness-in-the-novella-of-mice-and-men-by-john-steinbeck/
“The Theme of Loneliness in the Novella “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck.” GradesFixer, 14 Sept. 2018, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-theme-of-loneliness-in-the-novella-of-mice-and-men-by-john-steinbeck/
The Theme of Loneliness in the Novella “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-theme-of-loneliness-in-the-novella-of-mice-and-men-by-john-steinbeck/> [Accessed 28 Mar. 2024].
The Theme of Loneliness in the Novella “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2018 Sept 14 [cited 2024 Mar 28]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-theme-of-loneliness-in-the-novella-of-mice-and-men-by-john-steinbeck/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now