Category Archives: English 10

The novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck portrays the results of isolation and loneliness in a negative perspective. In the 1930s, it was common for male migrant workers to travel alone. Therefore, when George, one of the main protagonists, announces that “we travel together” (p.25) people scoff at him in disbelief. They believe George has ulterior motives to take advantage of Lennie. However, others are unable to see how their own isolation has affected their personalities; that having companionship is a human necessity.

George, however understands how important companionship is. Although the other characters are skeptical of his and Lennie’s friendship, Slim, the top skinner, is understanding. George explains that “’I ain’t got no people…I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good. They don’t have no fun. After a long time, they get mean. They get wantin’ to fight all the time,” (Steinbeck p.41) Slim agrees, saying “Yeah, they get mean. They get so they don’t want to talk to nobody.” (p. 41)

The lack of human interaction can lead to internal bitterness or an unnecessary hatred towards others. Loneliness can lead to an emotional emptiness, but it also triggers stress, which leads to health complications.

Crooks, the “stable buck,” (p. 66) has been excluded from the other workers because of his race. Separation and isolation causes him to become incredibly bitter towards the white men. When Lennie attempts to socialize with Crooks, his reaction is negative. He lashes out at innocent Lennie, harshly stating, “You got no right to come in my room. This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me,” (p.68). Steinbeck demonstrates the effect that isolation has had on Crooks. As a child, he was friends with white children, and “…The white kids come to play at our place, an’ sometimes I went to play with them, and some of them was pretty nice. My ol’ man didn’t like that. But now I know,” (p.70) Crook’s hatred for white men and overall bitterness grew because of how he was treated.

Humans NEED other humans. People crave their alone time, but being continually cut off from society is not healthy. Whether it’s wanting to be around other people, or just needing someone to listen, companionship is important. Curley’s wife, had been ignored for a long time. All she needed was someone to listen to her. Finally, when Lennie listened to her, “…her words tumbled out in a passion of communication, as though she hurried before her listener could be taken away,” (p.88).

A lack of socialization with others results in the destruction of who one is, and replacing one’s personality with anger and hate for towards others.

It is more common for people to be around others than to be isolated today. Therefore, its less common that we realize how important we are to the well being of others.