Crooks Flashcards
‘He had… a copy of the California Civil Code’
It was ‘mauled’
‘gold rimmed glasses’
(Intelligence)
This shows how he wants to educate himself about his rights emphasising how rights weren’t sought in American society. The fact that it is mauled could highlight his frustration and anger with the injustice of the law.
‘Books ain’t no good. A guy needs somebody to be near him’
(Intelligence)
Here, Crooks critiques the idea that knowledge can replace companionship. Despite being one of the most educated characters on the ranch (he has a room full of books), he knows that human warmth is more powerful than information. Steinbeck uses this moment to show that Crooks is not just book-smart, but wise, recognising that emotional needs are just as important.
Crooks had ‘his bunk in the harness room’
(Racial Segregation and Isolation)
This shows how he was segregated from others due to the racial segregation. But it also shows how lonely he is as he shares a room with animals showing his little status like an animal.
‘A guy goes nuts if they ain’t got nobody’
(Racial Segregation and Isolation)
This shows how Crooks doesn’t have anyone to socialise with, whereas everyone else shares a bunkhouse. This makes Crooks extremely lonely and bored as he is isolated and has no companionship.
When Crooks was taunting Lennie his ‘face lightened with pleasure at the torture’
(Causes Of Racial Segregation And Isolation)
This visual imagery shows how Crooks finds it appealing to torture Lennie showing how much racism and isolation Crooks has faced, which made him bitter and cruel. This shows how prejudice breeds prejudice.
Crooks kept his distance but ‘demanded others to keep theirs’
(Causes Of Racial Segregation And Isolation)
This shows the impacts that racism causes as now Crooks is hostile and aggressive towards others, showing how prejudice and racism destroy the fabric of society.
The boss gave ‘the stable buck hell’
(Vulnerability)
This shows how black people were powerless as people with high statuses used them as scapegoats showing the abuse they faced.
When Crooks answers back Curley’s wife says ‘I can get you lynched’ or ‘strung up on a tree’
‘Reduced himself to nothing’
(Vulnerability)
This shows how racist people were as they were reflecting the threats that the KKK gave to black people.
After Curley’s Wife threaten Crooks he says too the dream ‘I didn’t mean it. Jus foolin’
(Vulnerability)
Curley’s Wife acts as a reminder to show how black people couldn’t achieve anything as they were thought to be second-class citizen. However, this also shows how as a black man he has been robbed of even being able to dream.
