How does Steinbeck construct loneliness in the story? Despite living in close proximity, all of the characters seem to be lonely. Do you think loneliness is caused by socially imposed barriers, personal choice, or both?

Mice and Men

1. How does Steinbeck construct loneliness in the story? Despite living in close proximity, all of the characters seem to be lonely. Do you think loneliness is caused by socially imposed barriers, personal choice, or both? In contemporary times, do we also suffer from loneliness because of similar reasons (for example because of overreliance of technology, socially imposed barriers, and/or personal choice)? Address each question by supporting your claims from incidents and examples in the novel.

OR

2. Many of the characters from John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men suffer from a form of discrimination. Consider the struggles the characters face due to racism, ageism, or sexism. Choose one struggle and identify the character who faced it in the novel. Support your claims with examples from the novel.