It is a study of different forms of loneliness, and the bleakness and sadness resonate with readers. There is a universality in the portrayal of these characters.
For example, Crooks is a negro living in a white society. Not only is he lonely because the lives of the workers were shifting and impermanent, but also because of racism and unkindness with which he is unjustifiably treated. It is also psychologically accurate; think about Crooks' reactions in the chapter which focuses on him. He longs for company and cautiously invites people into his room, while his anger and hurt make him want to reject visitors. This dual process reflects the inner conflict that humans often battle with.
Curley's wife might be said to represent downtrodden women, treated as negligible. ('Ain't she a lulu'?). She is not even given a name. She handles every situation clumsily and, when feeling insulted, lashes out at the person who is yet lower in the hierarchy. ('I could get you strung up'). Yet, her life is wretched, and she is dehumanised by the treatment she has received all her life.
Look at each character from the point of view of their loneliness. They reflect the sadness of human existence.
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