Discuss the significance of loneliness in John Steinbeck's novella 'Of Mice and Men' in relation to the characters.

The theme of loneliness is one which Steinbeck laces throughout his text and attaches to almost every character within it. It can be suggested that the characters of Crooks and Curley's Wife undergo the most loneliness in their incredibly isolated lives, and this becomes significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it depicts the societal issues within 1930's America, as both characters are discriminated against due to the political situation of the time, Curley's wife shunned for being a woman and Crooks for being black. It is often disputed which of these characters the reader feels more empathy for, and in many ways, it is often Crooks who is favoured due to Curley's Wife's malicious treatment of Crooks. Yet, perhaps this suggests an even deeper form of loneliness for Curley's Wife, as her bitterness shows a person who has been hurt and can only find joy by treating Crooks as others treat her: inferior. Candy is also presented as an isolated character in 'Of Mice and Men', as from his introduction he is seen to favour the company of his dog to that of humans. This is not only indicative of Candy's loneliness, but the nature of those around him, seeming to not care for close relationships. it can be suggested that Steinbeck presents a lack of human relation to highlight the importance of the 'American Dream' of the 1930s. This term is used to describe what many of America's society sought, a better life, a 'dream' in which they could achieve economic prosperity. Clearly any hope for Candy regarding the dream is lost when his dog is killed and he later leaves plans to leave the ranch, leaving a character in a level of loneliness that cannot be understated. In many ways, whilst George and Lennie's companionship does provide one of the only true relationships in the book, it can be seen as a lonely life still for both of these characters. Lennie, of whom we assume suffers from a mental disorder, seems a character trapped in his own body, unable to articulate himself and form relationships that are equal. This refers to his relationship with George, that whilst is unique in the novella, is based on a father-son interaction as George tends to Lennie as a parent. George himself is seen as a lonely character, who is limited to conversation with Lennie whom he has to support, yet never being supported himself by a character. Loneliness is indeed a significant theme throughout the text, and highlights the tragic nature of the novella, as none of the characters seem able to truly find companionship.