The Importance of Crooks in of Mice and MenEssay Preview: The Importance of Crooks in of Mice and MenReport this essayDiscrimination can take many forms, from racial to physical to gender discrimination. Sadly, many people suffer each day from it as well as loneliness. In Steinbecks novel Of Mice and Men, Crooks is set apart because he is the only black man on the ranch and he has a physical disability.
In this novel Crooks possesses the majority of loneliness and discrimination. He has more possessions than anyone, because he is a permanent worker unlike the other workers who just come and go. Crooks has his own room which is connected to the barn, and is supposed to be a privilege. But it is really a solitary confinement, because he cant go into the bunkhouse with the other guys. Crooks becomes lonely because of the racial discrimination all the workers give him.
When Lennie comes to pet the puppies, he doesnt realize that Crooks room is off limits, Crooks instantly becomes defensive stating “I aint wanted in the bunk room and you aint wanted in my room” (68). Lennie asks “Why aint you wanted”(68). Crooks retaliates “Cause Im black, they play cards in there but I cant play because Im black. They say I stink. Well I tell you, all of you stink to me”(68). These lines show that Crooks is very lonely and wants to be one of the guys and play cards with everyone. Crooks then realizes than Lennie will cause no harm and lets him go in and sit down to talk, because he is so lonely. Crooks goes into talking about how everyone needs a friends, stating “A guy goes nuts if he aint go nobody. Dont make no difference who the guy is, longs hes with you. I tell ya”(73).
Lennie begins telling Crooks about George and his dreams of getting a place. Crooks, having been on the ranch for quite a while, has witnessed a lot of people with the same dream, stating “Nobody ever gets to heaven, and nobody never gets no land”(74). Candy arrives and Crooks says “Come on in. If everbodys comin in, you might just as well” (75). Crooks tries to act like he doesnt want Candy there, but he really likes all the attention he is getting from them. Candy backs up what Lennie says and Crooks mindset changes. Crooks becomes interested in the dream and says “If youguys want a hand to work for nothing-just his keep, why Id come and lend a hand”(76). Crooks is using this as an
*