Here's why it's significant:
* Setting: The novel begins with the characters George Milton and Lennie Small walking toward Soledad, a fictional town in California's Salinas Valley. This setting is crucial as it represents the harsh realities of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
* Symbolism: Soledad itself, meaning "loneliness" in Spanish, symbolizes the isolation and despair that many characters experience. The proximity to Soledad becomes a reminder of their struggles and the desire for something better.
* Context: When used as an allusion, the phrase "a few miles from Soledad" often evokes the themes of loneliness, dreams, and the pursuit of a better life. It can also highlight the challenges faced by those struggling in harsh circumstances.
Therefore, the allusion to "a few miles from Soledad" is not simply a location but carries a deeper meaning related to the themes of isolation, struggle, and the search for belonging in a difficult world.