Crooks quotes Flashcards
(14 cards)
“A guy needs somebody―to be near him… A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody.”
Crooks’ insight into the universal human need for companionship. Social isolation was a psychological effect of economic upheaval and racial segregation.
“I seen hundreds of men come by on the road an’ on the ranches… every damn one of ‘em’s got a little piece of land in his head. An’ never a God damn one of ’em ever gets it.”
Crooks’ cynical perspective on the futility of the American Dream. African Americans had particular reason to doubt American promises after broken Reconstruction promises.
“They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink.”
Direct statement about segregation and dehumanization. Reflects formal and informal segregation practices throughout America, not just the South.
“A guy sets alone out here at night… Sometimes he gets thinking, an’ he got nothing to tell him what’s so an’ what ain’t so.”
Explores how isolation affects perception of reality. Social isolation was known to distort thinking—psychological insight ahead of its time.
“Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land. It’s just in their head.”
Crooks’ nihilistic view of human aspirations. Growing skepticism about religious and economic promises during hardship.
“You got George. You know he’s goin’ to come back. S’pose you didn’t have nobody.”
Crooks trying to make Lennie understand his isolation. Highlights the psychological security of having a dependable companion.
“Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny.” CW to Crooks
Shows Crooks’ extreme vulnerability despite his dignity. Lynching remained a very real threat with thousands documented in the 1930s.
“Maybe you guys better go… I ain’t sure I want you in here no more.”
Shows how quickly Crooks reverts to isolation when threatened. Self-protective withdrawal was a survival mechanism for marginalized people.
“You got no right to come in my room. This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me.”
Shows how desperately Crooks clings to his tiny domain of authority. Private space was a luxury rarely afforded to Black Americans in segregated settings.
“Books ain’t no good. A guy needs somebody—to be near him.”
Shows that even intellectual pursuits can’t replace human connection. Education couldn’t fully compensate for social isolation enforced by discrimination.
“I was born right here in California. My old man had a chicken ranch, ’bout ten acres.”
Reveals Crooks’ background as the son of a landowner, not always marginalized. Some Black Americans owned land in California before losing it to white encroachment.
“They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all of you stink to me.”
Crooks’ momentary expression of his resentment at racist treatment. Rare moment of open resistance against internalized racial messages.
“I seen things out here. I wasn’t drunk. I don’t know if I was asleep. If some guy was with me, he could tell me I was asleep, an’ then it would be all right. But I jus’ don’t know.”
Cryptic reference to witnessing or experiencing racial violence or injustice. Alludes to racial trauma that was common but rarely spoken about openly.
“S’pose you couldn’t go into the bunk house and play rummy ’cause you was black.”
Crooks tries to make Lennie understand racial exclusion. Segregation affected every aspect of daily life for Black Americans.
