Crooks: Of mice and men

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Crooks symbolises the pervasive racism and isolation of the time. His loneliness and cynicism highlight the harsh realities of African americans in 1930s america. Despite his bitterness, he still clings to the dream of companionship and equality

Question 2

Point 1:

Answer 2

Crooks is isolated due to his race.

Question 3

quotes for the first point

Answer 3

-‘S’pose you couldn’t go into the bunkhouse and play rummy ‘cause you was black’
-‘This is just a nigger talkin’ an’ a busted-black nigger.’

Question 4

context for the first point

Answer 4

-this reflects the racial segregation and loneliness that define his life on the ranch. As well as he is segregated due to the fact he is located in the barn away from everyone else on the ranch by putting him with the animals it makes him seem as low as the animals

Question 5

Point 2:

Answer 5

Crooks initially mocks Lennie’s dream but later shows interest.

Question 6

quotes for the second point

Answer 6

-‘If you… guys want a hand to work for nothing - just his keep, why i’d come an’ lend a hand’
-Crooks scowled, but Lennie’s disarming smile defeated him.

Question 7

context for the second point

Answer 7

-this reveals his desire for belonging and hope, despite his scepticism. The cynicism he shows attempts to mask the true loneliness as if he pushes everyone away then no one can try to isolate him because he is full isolated already but this wall is broken with the potential of the american dream in the microcosm.

Question 8

point 3:

Answer 8

Crooks is intelligent and well-read.

Question 9

quotes with the third point

Answer 9

-‘A tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil code for 1905’
-‘Books ain’t no good. A guy needs somebody-to be near him’

Question 10

context for the third point

Answer 10

-this suggests he is aware of his rights, yet he is powerless in the racist society he lives in.
-An explanation why he isolates himself beyond need to try and reinstate some power

Question 11

point 4

Answer 11

Crooks uses sarcasm and bitterness to protect himself

Question 12

quotations with the forth point

Answer 12

-‘Nobody gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land’
-‘I ain’t wanted in the bunkhouse and you ain’t wanted in my room’

Question 13

context for the forth point

Answer 13

-his cynicism reflects the shattered dreams of many during the Great Depression. And the futility of the american dream in the microcosm