Themes Of John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men
The novel, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck is world renowned, and a great piece of literature. When most read it they enjoy it. This is because Steinbeck illustrates themes that many can relate to. He touches topics like, friendship, gender and racial inequality, and alienation. Steinbeck uses Crooks as a figure to represent these themes, which is what makes him a very interesting character.
Crooks is a black man, living in a white society. He is referred to as the n-word, and is the only black man on the ranch. When Lennie and George first arrive they are greeted by a man who goes on to tell them about Crooks. He described him as “...Nice fella too. Got a crooked back where a horse kicked him.” (P. 20) At first when reading, one may not
realize the odd correlation between Crooks’ description to the reader, and his name. Given the historical context of the novel one can infer that Crooks is his not his real name,just a name given to him because of his crooked back, or it is strangely coincidental that his name correlates to his injury. This interpretation of Crooks can also demonstrate how poorly Crooks was treated. The people that he had lived with were incapable of calling him by his real name. Only referring to him as Crooks, or the n-word.
Concurrently, one can also infer that Crooks has also earned the respect of his acquaintances on the ranch. Crook is heard recurrently addressing his white counterparts as if they were equal in his society. When he talks to Curley’s wife he stands his ground, and lets her know that he will stand up for himself. Crooks is a man of respect on the ranch and he does not let the color of his skin define him.
Prior to having that conversation with Curley’s wife, he had been conversing with Lennie. Lennie does not see color and easily approaches Crooks in the barn. At first Crooks tells him to leave, but then insists on Lennie staying. As he talks he begins to mention how lonely he feels. He says, “S’pose you didn't have nobody. S’pose you couldn't go into the bunkhouse and play rummy ‘cause you was black. How'd you like that?… a guy needs somebody--to be near him….I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an’ he gets sick.” (P. 72-73) Crooks professes his feelings of alienation. He wants to have company, and be acknowledged, but the only person that makes an effort to talk to him is Lennie, who meets a sad demise.
Crooks is a black man, living in a white society. He is referred to as the n-word, and is the only black man on the ranch. When Lennie and George first arrive they are greeted by a man who goes on to tell them about Crooks. He described him as “...Nice fella too. Got a crooked back where a horse kicked him.” (P. 20) At first when reading, one may not
realize the odd correlation between Crooks’ description to the reader, and his name. Given the historical context of the novel one can infer that Crooks is his not his real name,just a name given to him because of his crooked back, or it is strangely coincidental that his name correlates to his injury. This interpretation of Crooks can also demonstrate how poorly Crooks was treated. The people that he had lived with were incapable of calling him by his real name. Only referring to him as Crooks, or the n-word.
Concurrently, one can also infer that Crooks has also earned the respect of his acquaintances on the ranch. Crook is heard recurrently addressing his white counterparts as if they were equal in his society. When he talks to Curley’s wife he stands his ground, and lets her know that he will stand up for himself. Crooks is a man of respect on the ranch and he does not let the color of his skin define him.
Prior to having that conversation with Curley’s wife, he had been conversing with Lennie. Lennie does not see color and easily approaches Crooks in the barn. At first Crooks tells him to leave, but then insists on Lennie staying. As he talks he begins to mention how lonely he feels. He says, “S’pose you didn't have nobody. S’pose you couldn't go into the bunkhouse and play rummy ‘cause you was black. How'd you like that?… a guy needs somebody--to be near him….I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an’ he gets sick.” (P. 72-73) Crooks professes his feelings of alienation. He wants to have company, and be acknowledged, but the only person that makes an effort to talk to him is Lennie, who meets a sad demise.