1. The theme of loneliness in ‘Of Mice and Men.’

2. George is a father figure to Lennie.
A protective role.

3. George and Lennie They travel around together – unusual at this time.
George looks after Lennie.
He gets on George’s nerves sometimes.
George also needs Lennie and is very defensive of him – his dream involves Lennie.
They are very loyal to each other.

4. Loneliness and Mistrust
There is a lack of trust between the men ‘Ain’t many guys travel around together. I don’t know why. Maybe everybody in the whole damn world is scared of each other.’ Slim.
Life of the migrant worker is generally lonely and unfriendly.

5. What loneliness does to them.
Hardens them – Carlson shooting Candy’s dog.
It destroys trust.
Makes them bitter – Curley’s Wife and Crooks.
Kills all dreams – dream only has a chance of working when they work together.

6. What caused such mistrust?
Wall Street Crash 1929.
Many lost everything.
Shortage of work.

7. Candy Candy is isolated because he is old and disabled.
His only friend is his dog.
What happens to his dog is symbolic of how he feels – to be abandoned once you are no use.
Reflection of a very harsh society.

8. Curley’s Wife Lonely A flirt – out of place at the ranch.
Not respected – isolated by the men who have a purely sexual image of her.
Her looks are the only way she can attract attention.
Lennie only one that listens to her.

9. Crooks Black – isolated by the prejudice of others.
Lives apart from the others.
Very lonely – not used to seeing people.
Hostile to Lennie at first because he has learnt not to trust white people.
Lennie is only one who listens.