Of Mice And Men: Isolation Essay Example
Of Mice And Men: Isolation Essay Example

Of Mice And Men: Isolation Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (510 words)
  • Published: May 17, 2018
  • Type: Analysis
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John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men delves into the theme of isolation, reflecting the mistreatment of marginalized individuals in 1920's America. The novel highlights the profound impact that loneliness and isolation have on people. Steinbeck portrays different forms of isolation experienced by his characters, all stemming from specific prejudices. This theme is evident in the experiences of Crooks, who faces racial isolation; Candy, who endures age-related isolation; and Curley's wife, who is isolated due to her reputation for causing trouble. Candy, an elderly worker within the story, becomes a victim of isolation as a result of his physical limitations and advanced age.

Throughout the book, while the farmhands are busy bucking the barley, Candy is left alone to sweep and clean the ranch. His isolation stems from both his physical ha

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ndicap - the loss of his hand due to a machinery accident - and his age. Candy's perception of himself as useless further cripples him mentally, more so than his missing hand ever did. He devalues himself as an elderly, worthless man who is wasting away his remaining years. Thus, Candy illustrates that isolation can be caused not only by external factors but also by one's own perception of oneself.

Curley’s wife stands out as the most apparent example of loneliness in the book. Despite her efforts, she is unable to gain any attention. Due to her reputation as a flirt, the farmhands avoid speaking to her out of fear of facing trouble from Curley. When she converses with George, she provides valuable insight into the consequences and outcomes of being alone: “A person loses their sanity if they have nobody. It doesn't matter who that perso

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is, as long as they have someone by their side. I'm telling you, when someone feels too alone, it affects their well-being.” Additionally, Curley's wife's constant feeling of insecurity leads to her being neglected and drives her to seek attention by any means necessary.

Lastly, Crooks experiences isolation due to racial prejudice. Because he is a black man, he is compelled to live by himself in the barn, while the other farmhands reside in the bunkhouse. Discrimination played a significant part during the "Dust Bowl Era," the time period in which this book is set, and the other farmhands believe that it is necessary to restrict him from living with them as they consider it a privilege. Moreover, his separation from others intensifies his profound loneliness, spending his evenings engaged in reading and his days working on the horses alone in the barn.

Crooks, Candy, and Curley’s wife in Of Mice and Men experience the detrimental effects of solitude on their minds and bodies. Loneliness and isolation are unavoidable aspects of life that even the strongest individuals cannot escape. These characters face various forms of isolation caused by prejudices, leading them to their own states of seclusion. The repercussions depicted in this book highlight the significance of interconnected communication in the world, emphasizing that without interaction, the human mind and body are prone to destruction.

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