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”
How does Curley’s wife behave as a result of her loneliness?
She seeks attention from the other men on the ranch, which is misinterpreted as promiscuous behaviour
What quote shows how Curley’s wife craved company?
“ache for attention”
Does Curley’s wife enjoy her time with Curley? + a quote to support
“Swell guy ain’t he?” - rhetorical question, Curley is not sufficient company to satisfy her loneliness, he is neglectful/ shows a lack of respect towards his wife but she has to have complete loyalty to him or else she is seen as promiscuous
What quote shows that Curley’s wife is not used to having company?
“words tumbled out…before she should be interrupted”
Why does Curley’s wife speak hurriedly?
“words tumbled out…before she should be interrupted” - used to being ignored by Curley, highlights his neglectful and cold nature, due to her lack of someone to talk to she is a poor communicator/ struggles to express her thoughts clearly
What happens after Curley’s wife dies that further showcases her isolation?
No empathy is spared by any character - not even her husband - towards her death
Where is the novella set and what does this evoke about loneliness?
Set in Soledad - meaning solitude/loneliness in Spanish
Very remote location - “path beaten hard” and a “lonely kind of place” - isolated from the outside world
What quotes describe the setting of the ranch as lonely?
“path beaten hard”
“lonely kind of place”
What does the narration of the novella reveal about loneliness?
Told from an omniscient, 3rd person perspective who does not give insight into the characters internal thoughts or feelings, providing an empty, isolated feel that evokes a lack of connection between the reader and characters
