Aireyana Sharp Ms. Bowen December , 2017 7* Title The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s. In the novel “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck each character has their own set of problems relating to the Depression. It could be there race, gender, disability or loneliness. While reading this book a few things were noticed like the number of characters who were experiencing loneliness. Although none of the characters really know each other they still have one thing in common and that’s their need of companionship. In my essay I’ll be explaining how each one needs a companion. The characters Lennie, Curley’s wife, and Crooks all exemplify loneliness and isolation. The first person that shows …show more content…
Lennie is very tall and very strong. This sometimes scares people away. He also has to be dependant on George to survive. He always has to follow George’s instructions. One example is when George tells Lennie, “I’ll give him the work tickets. You ain't gonna say a word”. Lennie then replies, “I aint gon say nothin’ just gonna just gonna stand there “(page 6-7). This shows that Lennie really isn't free to do what he wants when around George. Another reason he is lonely is because of his strength. In Chapter 3, Lennie got into a fight with Curley. He was unable to control his strength and ended up breaking the bones in his hand. According to Slim, ”Looks like every bone in his han bust” (page 64). Lennie then feels bad and says, “I didn't wanna ,I don't wanna hurt him”. This made me realize that his strength was too much for people and will potentially push them away. His strength not only affects people it has a effect on his pets to. One example of that was in Chapter 5 when Lennie’s puppy died. George had repeatedly told him not to touch the pup too much or he could kill it but he didn't listen. He had been