Explore the theme of loneliness in 'Of Mice and Men' in relation to George, Lennie, Candy and his dog.

The theme of loneliness runs throughout the novel, with each character demonstrating loneliness to varying levels. John Steinbeck has illustrated loneliness through the relationships between the main characters. George and Lennie begin with one another, as does Candy with his dog. Both sets are scared of being alone, but the inevitability of being alone becomes all too real. Whilst George shares his companionship with Lennie, and Candy with his dog, all involved are avoiding loneliness. But the vulnerability of genuine companionship crumbles under the pressure of an unpredictable and unstable America. Steinbeck chooses to reflect the harsh reality of life. It’s to avoid being lonely that Candy hasn’t shot his dog sooner, or that George hasn’t left Lennie even though Lennie’s behaviour has led them both to losing their jobs. Therefore it is poignant that Steinbeck chooses that both Lennie and the dog are shot dead – with the intention of doing what is best. It’s with a heavy heart that both men lose the closest thing to them. This reflects a more general tone permeating through America as many people lost all that was valuable to them in the Wall Street Crash. Steinbeck uses loss as a tool to allow the reader to understand the loneliness that results when individuals lose their most valuable companions, or as was happening on a wider scale throughout America, their possessions.