Is loneliness the only theme in mice and men ?
Steinbeck presents several themes in this work: loneliness, the elusiveness of the American Dream, and victimization. The feeling of loneliness is palpable throughout the book. The men on the ranch travel by themselves and have no real connections to each other. Curley’s wife spends her days wandering about the ranch, searching for someone with whom she can share her dreams. Crooks is segregated from the others, as he is not allowed to live in the bunkhouse with the others because he is black. Candy and Crooks join George and Lennie in their quest for the American dream, when they try to become a part of the plan to buy a house on a small piece of land. They all seem to understand from the outset, though, that they will never realize this dream. Finally, every one of the major characters is a victim. The ranch hands are victims of the boss’s instructions and wishes. Curley’s wife is a victim of a patriarchal society. Crooks is a victim of racism.
