Steinbeck's novel, "Of Mice and Men", teaches a grim lesson about the nature of human existence and isolation. The novel emphasizes the loneliness and powerlessness of its characters, who must take comfort from insubstantial dreams of a better life. Nearly all of the characters, including Lennie, Candy, and Crooks, admit, at one time or another, to having a profound sense of loneliness and isolation. We clearly see that each desires the comfort of a friend, …showed first 75 words of 1524 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1524 total…Crooks. Probably the main reason that the novel's tragic end has a profound impact on the reader is that one senses the shattering of the dreams of numerous characters once George decided to kill Lennie. By the end of the novel, we realize that George and Lennie's dream of owning their farm only proves that Crooks's initial thesis is true: such paradises of freedom, contentment, and safety are not to be found in this world.