Loneliness And Isolation

Question 1

Crooks quote

Answer 1

“A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody, don’t make no difference who the guy is, long’s he’s with you.”

Question 2

“A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody, don’t make no difference who the guy is, long’s he’s with you.”

Answer 2

-Colloquial language and direct speech:
Makes crooks loneliness feel reel and raw.
-Repetition of “guy”:
The generality of the statement makes it universal -> talking about ALL humans.
-Hyperbole “goes nuts”:
Emphasizes how deeply isolation affects his mental health.

*His speech reflects how enforced segregation damaged him -> symbolizing the loneliness of marginalized individuals in the 1930s.

Question 3

Curleys wife:

Answer 3

“I get awfully lonely.. you can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley.”

Question 4

“I get awfully lonely.. you can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley.”

Answer 4

Ellipses in speech:
Shows the need for connection through hesitation and emotional vulnerability.
Double negative:
Reflects lack of education and restrictions placed on her both socially and emotionally.

*Steinback uses her as a symbol of how women were in such a male dominated society that it caused them to experience emotional isolation.
-This emphasizes the contrast between the freedom other have and control curly exerts over her.”

Question 5

Candy

Answer 5

“I ought to have shot that dog myself.”

Question 6

“I ought to have shot that dog myself.”

Answer 6

Symbolism:
Dog represents candy-> Old, merciful, considered useless and at the mercy of others.
Regretful tone:
Shows how candy feels powerless and alone, especially after losing his only companion.
First person narrative:
Gives direct look at his inner turmoil, making his emotional isolation all the more poignant.

*Moment highlights how people on the margins (who are disabled/weak/ old) are discarded, leading them to feeling futile and desolate.