How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Even the cabin was dismal and damp. I turned the gas mantle high, lit the kerosene lamp, and lighted two burners of my stove to drive the loneliness away. The rain drummed on the metal roof. (2.3.2)
The day Steinbeck drove through Maine in the rain seemed to be particularly lonely and depressing for him. By the end, it seems like he was feeling thoroughly down and isolated, as his thoughts here can attest.
Quote #5
On the long journey doubts were often my companions. (2.3.61)
Hmm, now that does sound lonely—having only your thoughts as company is one thing, but having only your doubts sounds a lot worse.
Quote #6
After the comfort and company of Chicago I had had to learn to be alone again. It takes a little time. But there on the Maple River, not far from Alice, the gift of it was coming back. (3.3.12)
Oh, okay, so here we're getting some nice comments about solitude. Even though most of the time he's lonely, he obviously sees a purpose and a comfort in isolation, too—at least, at certain times and in certain doses.