1. Loneliness. Re-cap all the characters who are lonely or isolated.

2. Can I identify themes in ‘Of Mice and Me’
Can I identify themes in ‘Of Mice and Me’? What does this tell me about American society?
Why does everyone seem to feel so isolated all the time? Is this a function of the ranch, the era, the world, human nature, or something else?
A)Crooks' isolation is also his protection, especially witnessed by that awful scene where Curley's wife threatens him. Is this isolation worth it? B)Would Lennie have been safer if he'd been isolated?
Why do those who are isolated "get mean," as George says, even if they're surrounded by people all the time?
Are George or Lennie ever isolated?

3. What does the theme of loneliness suggest about American society in the 1930s?
Your point discusses the theme in relation to characters.
Your quote is evidence for this point.
You look at the language or techniques in the quote.
What does this tell you about American society?
Loneliness is apparent throughout the novel. The character of Curley’s wife confesses her isolation to Lennie at the end of the novel; “I get lonely, she said. You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley.” The fact that Curley’s wife can talk to only Curley highlights the lack of freedom or rights women had in American in the 1930s. Curley’s wife is a possession and does not have an identity of her own – this makes her feel isolated as she cannot make any of her own decisions. Curley’s wife feels as though she has less freedom than Lennie as even he, with learning difficulties, is allowed to talk to people. Steinbeck is highlighting the difficulties faced by women at this time and the feelings of isolation emphasises women’s lack of freedom and opportunity in society at the time.
Although Curley’s wife believes she has less freedom than Lennie, Lennie is also banned from talking to people by George and experiences a similar lack of freedom…

4. The theme of loneliness is apparent throughout the novella
The theme of loneliness is apparent throughout the novella. Each character experiences isolation or loneliness in one way or another. Candy loses his dog, Crooks is segregated, Curley’s wife dislikes Curley and is the only female and George ultimately loses Lennie. Steinbeck makes the theme of loneliness apparent to suggest that it was a dog eat dog society that was extremely difficult to succeed in regardless of your status in the hierarchy and to reinforce the idea that the American dream was not a realistic goal.
George highlights the isolation felt by people in America at this time when he states “guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world”. Steinbeck suggests that ranch workers and migrants at this time were all alone. Yet George and Lennie travel together and have “a future” as they believe that together they have more chance of achieving their dreams. Yet Steinbeck reminds us that this is not true as ultimately they both end up alone and the dream dies with Lennie. Steinbeck highlights how difficult the situation was in America at this time by showing all characters as being isolated.
In addition, Curley the boss’ son is also lonely, even though he is married and he has more financial security than the rest of the men. Curley’s loneliness manifests itself through his aggression towards the other men on the ranch….