loneliness or isolation is central to of mice and men by john steinbeck. it is expressed in many of the things the characters say and do. show how loneliness is a part of the lives of two characters and how that loneliness contributes to a central idea of the novella.
I haven't read this book for many, many years.
However, this site may help you.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/micemen/
im lonely
In "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, loneliness and isolation are indeed central themes that permeate the lives of several characters. Let's analyze two characters in particular: George and Crooks.
George, despite his friendship with Lennie, experiences profound loneliness within him. This is evident through his actions and dialogue throughout the novella. From the very beginning, we learn that George and Lennie are migratory workers who have no permanent place to call home. Their constant moving and lack of roots contribute to their isolation from a stable community. Moreover, George often expresses his frustration and longing for a more fulfilling life. He dreams of owning his own land, working for himself, and not enduring the difficulties of migrant labor. These dreams are, in essence, his way of escaping the loneliness that pervades his life. However, the constant reminder that this dream may never come true emphasizes George's ongoing struggle with isolation, as he must shoulder responsibilities not only for himself but for Lennie as well.
Crooks, the African-American stable hand, also experiences profound loneliness, further highlighting the central idea of isolation. Due to racial segregation and discrimination, Crooks is forced to live in a separate room in the barn, cut off from the other workers on the ranch. Physical isolation creates emotional loneliness, leading Crooks to withdraw into himself. The novella portrays Crooks as a bitter and cynical character, likely a consequence of his exclusion from the ranch community. When Lennie enters Crooks' room, hoping simply for human interaction, Crooks initially resists, suspicious of someone showing interest in him. This interaction highlights how loneliness can breed defensiveness and mistrust. However, Crooks ultimately reveals his own longing for companionship, even if it is just sharing their collective dreams of a more fulfilling life.
In essence, the loneliness experienced by both George and Crooks contributes to the central idea of the novella: the inherent human need for companionship and connection. Steinbeck portrays these characters' isolation to shed light on the harsh reality of a society that fails to acknowledge and address the loneliness of its individuals. Their yearning for genuine human connection reflects the universal longing for a sense of belonging, highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy for others in combating the isolation that can exist in one's life.