A Portrait Of Racism

Chapter 4 in Of Mice and Man, paints a very realistic portrait of racism in the 1930s.  Discuss at least two ways in which racism is explored in this chapter.  Include quotes and your own analysis of key moments in this chapter that clearly demonstrate the racism that existed in the American 1930s.  What do readers understand about racism as a result of reading this chapter?

In chapter four in Of Mice and Men, we meet the black stable buck, Crooks. In some ways the racism is subtle but in others it is very clear that the one making fun of Crooks' skin color are trying to get under his skin. One way racism is evident is the fact that the stable buck has his own room next to the barn. Nowadays, we see this as a great opportunity for privacy, but in this time this is segregation: keeping the blacks separated from the whites. Crooks doesn't stay on the topic of his room for long, as if it does affect him.

Another way of showing racism is the way thar other people interact with Crooks. Curley's wife is a good example: "She turned on him in scorn. 'Listen, nigger,' she said. "You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?' 
Crooks stared hopelessly at her, and then he sat down on his bunk and drew into himself.
She closed on him. 'You know what I could do?'
Crooks seemed to grow smaller, and he pressed himself against the wall. 'Yes, ma'am.'
'Well, you keep your place then, nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny.'" (Steinbeck, 80-81). Crooks is treated like dirt under her shoe and he cannot do anything about this.

As a result of reading this chapter the readers can develop an understanding that racism is wrong and unjust. No one ever wants to be treated like Crooks is in Of Mice and Men and no one ever should. Readers can also understand that it is wrong to treat others this way, no matter their gender, race, religion, sexuality, etc. This was a way for Steinbeck to show his readers about treating people with respect no matter who or what they are.

Of Mice And Men :: Chapter 4 Notes

Summarization:

In chapter four, the character Crooks is introduced. Crooks is the black, crippled stable buck. He is kept separate from the other men working in the same ranch by having his own room right next to the barn. George. Slim, and Carlson left to go out on the town for the night, leaving Lennie and Candy back at the ranch. Lennie wants to see his pup and along his way he sees the light from Crooks room. He talks to Crooks for awhile, leaving Crooks to believe that he is crazy; Candy comes along soon after, the three characters with the least freedom. Curley's wife turns it around, by asking where his husband is instead of the other way around. Curley's wife leaves in a huff when the three refuse to answer her questions and when Crooks orders her to leave, leaving her to exchange rude racial slurs.George and the others return and they leave Crooks to himself.

Questions:

Characters: Curley's wife
Where/When:                

 Is Curley's wife significant to this story at all? What is her purpose? Does she serve as a symbol rather than a character?

Characters: Crooks
Where/When: Crooks' Room

Why is Crooks separated from the other workers? Why doesn't he voice his feelings about being segregated from the others? Is this a cowardly choice or a brave one?

Characters: George and Lennie
Where/When:                         

Will the two ever obtain the land that they dream of? Or will George venture down a path of bad money choices as Crooks says other workers have done? Will Lennie be able to keep up with George if that fate is bestowed upon his companion?

Prediction:

I predict that Crooks will be an essential character. I believe this is true because we are learning more about Crooks' past life then we have about any other character in the novel so far. If he is not a major character of "Of Mice and Men" then I believe he will be a huge factor to the outcome of this novella.