Final answer:
The theme of loneliness in 'Of Mice and Men' significantly affects characters like George, Lennie, and Crooks, reflecting the broader human experience during the Great Depression, as also seen in other contemporary works like 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'Migrant Mother'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men, loneliness is a central theme that affects several of the characters. The story, set during the Great Depression, explores the lives of itinerant workers who are isolated by their transient lifestyles and the societal structures of the time. The character of George is lonely because he is burdened with the care of Lennie and does not have an equal to share his inner thoughts. Lennie, although always with George, is lonely due to his mental disability that prevents him from forming meaningful and genuine connections with others. Lastly, Crooks, the black stable-hand, experiences intense loneliness because of the racial segregation that excludes him from companionship within the ranch.
The sense of isolation felt by characters in Mice and Men reflects a broader human experience, particularly in times of hardship like the Depression era depicted in other works such as Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath or Dorothea Lange's photograph 'Migrant Mother'. These works collectively emphasize the impact of loneliness and the human desire for connection and community, underscored by the adage that no man is an island.