Why did Steinbeck symbolize or decide to symbolize the Depression? What was the point of doing this and why did he want to do this, especially for readers in 2016?

The Great Depression forced men to be away from families and loved ones. Their transient way of life was isolating and lonely. Although the Great Depression was a factor in their lifestyle, it does not figure prominently in the story. The isolation, however, does. Lennie and George differ from most migrant workers in that they had each other. George felt some isolation as taking care of Lennie was like taking care of a child. George's vision of his dream farm, however, always included Lennie. Their saving grace for living this lifestyle was having each other.