... , "I ought to have shot that dog myself," (61), his fear of being branded useless keeps Candy from showing mercy to the one thing he held dear in his heart.  A sad truth about the human race is that most, if not all, at one time in their lives, feel a sense of loneliness. It can even be said that being surrounded ... by many people does not quell the sting of isolation. In Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, Crooks is a black stable buck who would welcome the comfort of friendship, but one who would also settle for the kind ear that just listened. Crooks believes that life is senseless wit...

• Word Count: 856
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School