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part b from of mice and men (any feedback or suggestions)

In the rest of the novel, how does Steinbeck present the lives of the ranch workers at that time?
Steinbeck uses George as the caricature of an itinerant farm worker during the time .He symbolises the hard lives they lived and the constant haunt of loneliness. The theme of loneliness is made evident throughout the play and is closely interlocked with the theme of dreams. Although the ranch workers `scoff ‘at the magazines they all secretly admire them and have the belief that they may attain the same one day. Also they all believe in the American dream which is the chance at prosperity through hard work. The belief gave them the optimism to continue. The loneliness was due to the fact `they don’t trust nobody’. Everyone was bothered about their own interests and this is why both George and Lennie benefit from their relationship.
The theme of fate is also introduced by Steinbeck in relation to the workers. He does this through the structure of the play .For example Crooks is mentioned at the beginning of the play by candy once he is `reassured’ of his friendship. He calls him a `negro stable buck’. This immediately causes George and the reader to create an impression of him but also to pre-judge him. When we do meet him which is just before the major climax of the play we have already formed a pre-disposition of him based on the negative things we have heard. This is reflective of society in the 1930’s and its prejudiced nature. So the structure of the play shows the theme of fate because Crooks has no control over their opinions and this is also how the ranch workers had no control over their lives but made the most of what they had.
The ranch workers of the time had very little rights and privileges due to lack of trade unions .they were only introduced by FDR and his New Deal scheme. Bosses treated their employees as they wanted and this shown by Candy who says ‘They’ll can me purty soon’. This is in reference to his disability and the way he will be sacked when he outlives his usefulness. Candy’s Dog is also symbolic of this and shows the cruelty of live when you outlive your usefulness. Social injustice and corruption is evident within the play just as it was within society at the time. Curley has social power and ain`t never gonna get canned’. This is due to his father’s wealth and financial achievement. So workers could do as much as they wanted but people like Curley who never did anything achieved more than they ever would.so through the use of Curleys and his arrogant nature Steinbeck shows how unfair the lives of the ranch workers were.
Steinbeck also shows the importance of physical power within this time. He blatantly admires Slim with the title of `prince of the ranch’ and shows that his skill is only worthy due to his intelligence with it .In addition Steinbeck shows the lack of importance of intelligence. Crooks is the most intelligent character with his array of books yet he is the loneliest character. His bunkhouse is symbolic of his isolation and status. Also George benefits from his friendship due to Lennie’s strength which enables him to find work too. This also shows that physical power was required to have a decent life as Crooks a disempowered character obviously doesn’t.
The lives of the ranch workers were inevitable, lonely and fated .they were lead on with their desire of achieving their dreams however many didn’t and led their whole lives in misery. The theme of loneliness shown by Steinbeck is a reflection of their lives.