Loneliness, Sympathy and Remuneration in Cannery Row by John Steinbeck Many themes were represented in Cannery Row. These themes give the game depth and charm. The three most significant themes thought of are Loneliness, Sympathy and Retribution, allowing the story to reach many areas of life. In the story of Cannery Row, loneliness is the main theme of the characters' lives. One of these themes is loneliness. “He was a dark and lonely looking man” No one loved him. Nobody cared about him' (Page 6). The severity of his loneliness makes this theme one of the most important. This man's isolation can seep into one's innermost thoughts and leave them with a sense of belonging after hearing of this character's anguish. Furthermore, a man who was not entirely alone still felt isolated. "Despite his friendliness and his friends, Doc was a solitary and withdrawn man." (Page 132). An individual might have many people around him, but he still couldn't have the one good friend he needs. Isolation comes in many different forms which can be d...