Loneliness/Isolation (OMAM) Flashcards
What does Steinbeck display loneliness as?
An unavoidable, intrinsic aspect of human existence that has been exacerbated by the societal system and hardships that existed in 1930s America
What does Slim say about how people in society treat each other?
“everybody…is scared of each other”
What does Slim’s comment on society reveal about its nature?
“everybody…is scared of each other” - The society that exists in 1930s America breeds loneliness and isolation, as being too open/ inviting to others makes you vulnerable, can be described as a Darwinian society (survival of the fittest)
What does George say about itinerant workers like him and Lennie?
“guys like us…are the loneliest guys in the world”
Why are itinerant workers lonely?
They inherit loneliness due to the nature of their work, constantly moving around with no fixed home, little time to establish connections with others
Why are George and Lennie different from the other workers?
They have each other, “somebody…that gives a damn about us”
What is the importance of George and Lennie’s friendship?
“somebody…that gives a damn about us” - Offers them temporary relief from the isolation of their occupation
However, George can still be seen as lonely despite having a companion, as he is unable to sustain any intellectual conversations with Lennie, as a result of his learning disability
What message does Steinbeck create from George and Lennie’s relationship?
Reinforces the socialist message that collaborative effort is more important/powerful than that of individuals, and is what is needed to help society prosper
What context can be given for why George and Lennie are lonely?
Itinerant workers became a vast section of American society after the Great Depression, as many people lost their jobs and homes and looked to find work. Just like many others, George and Lennie are lonely due to their economic status and position in society as a result of this societal shift.
What does Crooks say about the effects of prolonged loneliness?
“a guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody”
Why are relationships and interactions with others important according to what Crooks describes?
“a guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody” - emphasises the immense psychological toll of isolation, and how humans needs connections to preserve their health and wellbeing
Contextually, why is Crooks lonely?
As a result of the racial segregation in 1930s America
Where does Crooks sleep and what does that show about his character being isolated?
Crooks “had his bunk in the harness room” - lonely, treated as an animal, racial segregation, lack of human company
Contextually, why is Curley’s wife lonely?
She is lonely due to her gender, she is the only woman on the ranch and is treated as the possession of her husband, the standard of the time
What quote shows Curley’s wife’s isolation?
“i get awful lonely”
