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Loneliness is a major theme in Of Mice and Men. Each of the characters have their own reasons for being lonely. Steinbeck shows clearly the boxes that each of the characters is isolated in. Steinbeck wanted to show that people are happier when they live with people they like, and when they have true friendship like George and Lennie had, even though George didn’t know it until Lennie was dead. Crooks, the crippled black stable buck, is desperate for someone to talk to. Crooks is lonely on the ranch because he isn’t allowed to do anything with the other men because he was black, and crippled. Crooks is lonely, to the point of insanity until he is visited by Lennie and Candy. When Lennie comes in to his room, Crooks pretends to be mad at him, but deep down he is glad to be able to talk to someone. ‘“Come on in. If ever’ body’s comin’ in, you might just as well.” It is difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger.’ They offer to take him along to their ranch. The prospect of possibly going to George and Lennie’s ranch helped him conquer his loneliness. Crooks conquers his loneliness, because for once he feels that people respect and like him even though he is black and crippled. Curley’s Wife is another lonely character. She dislikes her husband, and wants to get away from him. However when she tries to talk to the hands on the ranch they always ignore her because they don’t want to get in trouble with Curley. He is known to not hesitate to beat a guy up when they talk to her, and they could get fired.
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