Crooks
Character analysis
Quotes
Only black man on the ranch.
Treated with no respect due to his race.
Is called crooks due to his broken back, that was caused because a horse kicked him.
Constantly picks on Lennie. This could be due to the fact that he's constantly picked on, and finds it easy to pick on someone more vulnerable than himself.
Has his own 'American dream' but is perhaps unachievable due to his race and social status.
Lives separately due to racial segregation.
Also shows that he is lonely.
Is independent, and takes care of himself.
Could be either because it's upon choice, or because it was forced on him due to his position in society.
Wants to be equal, similar to when he was younger.
Crooks is cynical of Lennie's dream, but he eventually begins to believe in it because it makes him feel equal to Lennie and Candy.
Says he "smells"
He's called an offensive word, which depicts the extent of racism in the 1930's.
Owns a copy of the California Civil rights, therefore he's aware of his rights as a black man.
His living conditions indicate that he was considered no more than an animal. (Lived in a little shed)
We learn that Crooks is jealous of George and Lennie's relationship.
Isn't allowed in the bunkhouse with the others, due to his color.
Is observed to be 'proud' as he tells Lennie, he is not a descendant of slaves, but a descendant of landowners.
Eventually realizes that once he's not of use, he will be thrown out. Wants in on George's and Lennie's dream. Promises that he'll work for them, for nothing as long as he's given a place to live, without fear.
"You ain't got no right coming into my room"
"Crooks had reduced himself to nothing"
"It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger"
"Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land"
"The white kids come to play at our place, an’ sometimes I went to play with them"
"you got George"
Candy - "They let the n**r come in that night"
"Scattered... were a number of personal possessions"