Of Mice and Men Chapter 4 Events

Study Notes

Lenny and Crooks' Interaction

Lenny enters Crooks' room, which is small and organized, filled with tools; the bed is made of straw.
Lenny expresses excitement about seeing his puppy, unaware of the racial tensions present in the bunkhouse.
Crooks tells Lenny he shouldn't be in the bunkhouse due to his race, highlighting the discrimination faced by black workers.

Dreams and Realities

Lenny shares his dream of owning a ranch with George, mentioning the rabbits he hopes to tend.
Crooks is skeptical, noting that men often talk about dreams that never come true, indicating a sense of disillusionment.

Friendship and Isolation

Crooks questions Lenny about what he would do if George didn’t return, emphasizing Lenny's dependence on George.
Lenny confidently states that George is smart and will be safe, showcasing his loyalty and trust.

Reflections on Race

Crooks urges Lenny to appreciate having a friend, suggesting that as a black man, he often faces loneliness and isolation.
Crooks reminisces about his childhood and the chicken ranch his father owned, indicating his lost sense of belonging.

Hope for the Future

Crooks initially believes Lenny and Candy's dream of a ranch is unattainable, but Candy insists it’s possible because George believes in it.
Crooks expresses a desire to join Lenny and Candy on their ranch, offering to work and have a place to stay.

Curley's Wife's Discontent

Curley’s wife remarks on the duality of men’s behavior, being nice one-on-one but cruel in groups to avoid angering Curley.
She asks Lenny, Candy, and Crooks about Curley’s injured hand, hinting at the fragile nature of their lives on the ranch.

Confrontation and Power Dynamics

Crooks stands up to Curley’s wife, telling her to leave, which surprises her and highlights the hierarchy and power struggles within their social context.
She threatens Crooks, implying that she has the power to harm him due to his race.

Lenny's Admiration

Curley’s wife leans toward Lenny and expresses relief that he hurt her husband, indicating a desire for someone to stand up to Curley’s bullying.

Disappointment and Withdrawal

As Lenny, George, and Candy leave, Crooks retracts his earlier statement about wanting to join them, indicating a resignation to his lonely circumstances and a defense mechanism against hope.

Description

Explore the significant events from Chapter 4 of 'Of Mice and Men'. This chapter emphasizes themes of isolation and friendship through the interactions between Lennie and Crooks. Test your knowledge with these flashcards that highlight key moments and dialogues.