Questions and Answers
Describe how Crooks differs from the other ranch hands.
Crooks doesn't sleep in the bunkhouse, he takes care of the horses, he's black, and he's crippled.
What does Crooks say will happen to Lennie if George doesn't come back?
Crooks says they will take him to an asylum and tie him up.
In your own words, describe what, according to Crooks, happens to a man if he doesn't have somebody.
He says a man feels all alone and he doesn't trust anyone.
Explain the offer Crooks makes to Candy and Lennie with regard to the place that they and George intend to acquire.
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Briefly restate Curley's wife's explanation for the reason guys won't talk unless they are alone.
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What does Curley's wife say she might have done instead of marrying Curley?
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Crooks tells Lennie he now knows why his old man didn't like him playing with white kids. What does he now know?
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Is it possible that George, Lennie, and Candy will be the exception to Crooks' statement about men with dreams?
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Curley's wife indicates that she doesn't like her husband. Why do you think she married him?
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Crooks tells George to forget what he said about hoeing and doing odd jobs on their dream ranch.
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Study Notes
Crooks' Isolation and Identity
- Crooks is distinct from other ranch hands; he has his own living quarters, cares for the horses, is African American, and has a physical disability.
- His experiences highlight themes of loneliness and racial discrimination on the ranch.
Crooks on Dependence and Loneliness
- Crooks warns Lennie that without George, he would face a grim fate, likely ending up in an asylum.
- He emphasizes the importance of companionship, noting how being alone breeds mistrust and isolation.
Offer of Solidarity
- Crooks proposes to join Lennie and Candy in their dream of owning a piece of land, agreeing to work for just his food and shelter, showcasing a desire for belonging.
Dynamics of Fear
- Curley's wife explains the silence among the ranch hands, revealing their fears of betrayal and the need to keep secrets in a hostile environment.
Unfulfilled Dreams
- Curley's wife reveals her own aspirations to become an actress, sharing her disappointment over a missed opportunity and emphasizing her own sense of entrapment.
Racial Realizations
- Crooks reflects on his childhood, recognizing the absence of other black families, which shaped his understanding of isolation and mistrust based on race.
Hope vs. Reality
- Crooks cynically observes that many men have dreams of owning land, yet few achieve them. However, he acknowledges that George, Lennie, and Candy are different, as they have a plan and resources.
The Motive Behind Marriage
- Curley's wife's marriage to Curley appears to be motivated by financial security during the Great Depression, rather than love or commitment.
Doubts and Desires
- When Crooks tells George to dismiss their dream of the ranch, his insincerity reveals a deeper yearning for acceptance and hope for a better life, despite his immediate rejection of the idea.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 4 from 'Of Mice and Men' with these flashcards. Explore key themes and character differences, particularly focusing on Crooks and his experiences on the ranch. Ideal for students looking to enhance their understanding of the novel's dynamics.
