Of Mice and Men: Loneliness and Companionship
Crooks and the themes in ‘Of mice and men’
Loneliness and companionship
Many of the characters, in ‘Of mice and men’, admit to suffering from loneliness. George starts these confessions early in the novella when he reminds Lennie that the life of a “ranch-hand” is one of the loneliest of lives. Men like George who migrate from farm to farm rarely have anyone to look to for companionship and protection.
As the story develops, Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife all confess their deep loneliness. The fact that they admit to complete strangers their fear of being cast off shows their desperation. In a world without friends to confide in, strangers will have to do. Each of these characters searches for a friend. In the end, however, companionship of his kind seems impossible.
Crooks’ character is rather bookish, and he likes to keep his room neat. He keeps himself to himself and is rarely able to interact with others on the ranch. However because he has been beaten down by loneliness and abuse, he is now suspicious of any kindness he receives. We know from his books that Crooks is far superior in intelligence to the other workers. He is very aware that his skin colour separates him from the others and as the reader we feel as if he prefers being alone as it takes him away from the constant abuse he receives from the ranch owners.
Unlike Lennie and George, Crooks has no one special to go to. In his times of need there is no one there to support him. This is an indication to the reader, when he makes fun of Lennie's dependence on George, that he is actually jealous of their companionship and wishes he had the same relationship with someone.
The predatory nature of human existence
Of Mice and Men teaches a lesson about the nature of human existence. Nearly all of the characters, including Crooks, admit to having a sense of loneliness and isolation. Each desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the ear of a stranger.
Crook’s tells Lennie that life is
Loneliness and companionship
Many of the characters, in ‘Of mice and men’, admit to suffering from loneliness. George starts these confessions early in the novella when he reminds Lennie that the life of a “ranch-hand” is one of the loneliest of lives. Men like George who migrate from farm to farm rarely have anyone to look to for companionship and protection.
As the story develops, Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife all confess their deep loneliness. The fact that they admit to complete strangers their fear of being cast off shows their desperation. In a world without friends to confide in, strangers will have to do. Each of these characters searches for a friend. In the end, however, companionship of his kind seems impossible.
Crooks’ character is rather bookish, and he likes to keep his room neat. He keeps himself to himself and is rarely able to interact with others on the ranch. However because he has been beaten down by loneliness and abuse, he is now suspicious of any kindness he receives. We know from his books that Crooks is far superior in intelligence to the other workers. He is very aware that his skin colour separates him from the others and as the reader we feel as if he prefers being alone as it takes him away from the constant abuse he receives from the ranch owners.
Unlike Lennie and George, Crooks has no one special to go to. In his times of need there is no one there to support him. This is an indication to the reader, when he makes fun of Lennie's dependence on George, that he is actually jealous of their companionship and wishes he had the same relationship with someone.
The predatory nature of human existence
Of Mice and Men teaches a lesson about the nature of human existence. Nearly all of the characters, including Crooks, admit to having a sense of loneliness and isolation. Each desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the ear of a stranger.
Crook’s tells Lennie that life is