Steinbeck's novel, "Of Mice and Men", teaches a grim lesson about the nature of human existence and isolation. The novel emphasizes the loneliness and powerlessness of its characters, who must take comfort from insubstantial dreams of a better life. Nearly all of the characters, including Lennie, Candy, and Crooks, admit, at one time or another, to having a profound sense of loneliness and isolation. We clearly see that each desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger. Perhaps the most powerful example of this tendency is in when all the ranch hands…
