Steinbeck also shows the reader that the characters are desperate to find a way out of their loneliness. In Section Three of the novel, Whir is keen to talk to George and Steinbeck tells us that Whit is "not interested in his cards." Whit is not interested in playing cards not long after the game has begun. This shows the reader that all Whit wants is someone to talk to talk to so, in this way, he wants to find a way out of his loneliness. This makes the reader sympathise with the characters on the ranch as it shows their desperation to stop being lonely.
Although the characters want companionship, Steinbeck hints to the reader that it is not safe to try and find a way out of their loneliness. For example, in Section Three, George says that his friend Andy Cushman is in "San Quentin," a prison, "on account of a tart." It is clear to the reader that Andy was looking for companionship. However, Steinbeck is showing the reader that looking for companionship was dangerous for Andy-it just led him into prison. This also shows the reader that the characters on the ranch have no way out of their loneliness-any attempt will just lead them into danger.
Steinbeck shows the reader that Crooks is lonely on the ranch because of the prejudice he receives for being black, something which was not uncommon in 1930s America. When Candy comes into Crooks's room, Crooks tries "to conceal his pleasure with his anger." This shows the reader that Crooks is lonely, but is trying to pretend that this doesn't bother him. It is unusual for Steinbeck to describe the feelings of the characters, usually we have to make a guess from what the characters are saying. However, Steinbeck is describing Crooks's feelings here to make it clear to the reader that prejudice and loneliness have made Crooks bitter. Although Crooks wants to escape from his loneliness, Steinbeck makes it clear to the reader that he can't. Steinbeck often says in Section Four, "the halter chains rattled." The "chains" could be a metaphor for locking up Crooks in his loneliness, and the fact that they rattle show the reader that Crooks is desperately trying, but failing, to escape his loneliness. This makes the reader feel sorry for Crooks.
In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck presents loneliness as a key theme which many of the characters cannot escape from. Although the characters, like many ranch workers from America in the 1930s, want to escape from their loneliness, Steinbeck shows the reader that this just leads them to having their dreams brutally crushed.