Explore the Ways Steinbeck Presents and Develops Relationships Between Crooks and the Other Characters in the Novel ‘of Mice and Men’
Explore the ways Steinbeck presents and develops relationships between Crooks and the other characters in the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’
• How Steinbeck uses language and structure to reveal these relationships to the reader
• The significance of these relationships
Crooks is a pivotal character in the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck, as Steinbeck uses Crooks to represent the prejudice and racism that black Americans suffering during 1930s’ society. Therefore the reader is able to empathise with Crooks because Steinbeck reveals to the reader what society was like during the Great Depression. Throughout the novel we are able to recognise Crooks’ situation and we witness how Crooks’ dream of a better life has never come about, and as he is disabled he is a permanent ranch worker so unlike the other characters he is unable to leave the ranch for anything better. Thus his dreams are limited and will never happen; because of this Crooks has become cynical and bitter because of his treatment and suffering. Crooks is an isolated character on the ranch, however throughout the novel we do see some little relationships happen with some of the characters and we see how Crooks is able to open up to Lennie and he confesses all of his feelings and thoughts because Crooks sees him as a figure of trust as he’s unable to remember what he’s told. We also see Crooks and Slim’s relationship as Slim is the only character Steinbeck wants the reader to admire-Slim represents all that is good in society. Consequently, ‘Of Mice and Men’ relates to the pivotal issues that were in society at the time such as loneliness, racism, prejudice and isolation. Steinbeck uses the novel to bring light on these issues, and uses the microcosm ranch to represent the whole of society.
In Chapter 2 of the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ Steinbeck reveals Crooks to the audience by the ranch swamper Candy. Steinbeck deliberately introduces Crooks using another character to highlight the inferiority compared
• How Steinbeck uses language and structure to reveal these relationships to the reader
• The significance of these relationships
Crooks is a pivotal character in the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck, as Steinbeck uses Crooks to represent the prejudice and racism that black Americans suffering during 1930s’ society. Therefore the reader is able to empathise with Crooks because Steinbeck reveals to the reader what society was like during the Great Depression. Throughout the novel we are able to recognise Crooks’ situation and we witness how Crooks’ dream of a better life has never come about, and as he is disabled he is a permanent ranch worker so unlike the other characters he is unable to leave the ranch for anything better. Thus his dreams are limited and will never happen; because of this Crooks has become cynical and bitter because of his treatment and suffering. Crooks is an isolated character on the ranch, however throughout the novel we do see some little relationships happen with some of the characters and we see how Crooks is able to open up to Lennie and he confesses all of his feelings and thoughts because Crooks sees him as a figure of trust as he’s unable to remember what he’s told. We also see Crooks and Slim’s relationship as Slim is the only character Steinbeck wants the reader to admire-Slim represents all that is good in society. Consequently, ‘Of Mice and Men’ relates to the pivotal issues that were in society at the time such as loneliness, racism, prejudice and isolation. Steinbeck uses the novel to bring light on these issues, and uses the microcosm ranch to represent the whole of society.
In Chapter 2 of the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ Steinbeck reveals Crooks to the audience by the ranch swamper Candy. Steinbeck deliberately introduces Crooks using another character to highlight the inferiority compared