Discrimination

The novel is set in “Soledad” which is Spanish for loneliness. The quote “They had walked in single file down the path, and even in the open one stayed behind the other”. The fact that they don’t walk side by side in the open symbolises the solitary life they lead, they are lonely together through their friendship. Their friendship contrasts to the workers on the ranch however they are still lonely. By setting the novella in a real place, Steinbeck gives the story some authenticity: while the characters are fictional, their stories represent the reality of many in the 1930s. This powerful opening image of the two men walking in single file represents the lonely life of the itinerant worker in the 1930s who, due to a scarcity of jobs, tackled life alone. This is due to the high unemployment rates they ha to tackle life alone to survive meaning you couldn’t stablish long term friendships and meaningful relationships.

There is a contrast with George and Lennie having a friendship, the boss is suspicious of George as he doesn’t see friendship among itinerant workers he sees loneliness. the quote “I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you”, was memorised by Lennie which creates the contrast of loneliness, you could say they are lonely together. You could support that with the repeated mention of George playing Solitaire which is a game you play on your own which could symbolise the loneliness of George. The card game could foreshadow the solitary life ahead of George. The high demand for work amongst migrant workers created a competitive and hostile environment. Rather than their hardships being a uniting factor, it set them against each other in the name of self-interest. Furthermore, the transient lifestyle of these workers made it impossible to settle down with a family.