Of Mice and Men Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why has Crooks been able to accumulate more personal items than the other ranch hands?

Having worry about how he will carry them with next to them his job.

What reason does Crooks first give for Lennie not being welcome in his room?

He is black and not allowed in the white bunkhouse.

According to Crooks, why does a person need a companion?

That a person who stays alone too long goes crazy.

What is Crooks' initial response to Candy's account of the dream farm and what evidence is there that his attitude changes?

Lennie's crazy and a dream never happens, in real life. He wants to join because he could be off the ranch, become equal and close to reality because Candy had the money. Signup and view all the answers

According to Curley's wife, why are the men afraid to talk to her when there is more than one present?

They are scared of Curley, and she causes trouble when others have an affair with her. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Curley's wife like talking to her husband?

He is always talking about fighting. Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Candy give when he says that they are no longer afraid that Curley's wife will get them fired?

They have the dream farm to rely on and they can always find other work. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Crooks so bold as to confront Curley's wife and tell her to leave his room?

Lennie boosted his self-confidence in that he was the same as everybody else. Signup and view all the answers

How does Candy finally make Curley's wife leave the barn?

Candy said if she left they wouldn't tell Curley she was in the barn. Signup and view all the answers

What does George say about Candy and Lennie visiting with Crooks?

He is not comfortable that Crooks is a man of color, and he is unhappy that they are sharing the dream of the farm with him. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crooks and Personal Items

Crooks has accumulated more personal items than other ranch hands due to his isolation and time spent in the stable, allowing him to maintain a sense of identity and individuality.

Racial Segregation

Crooks initially states that Lennie is unwelcome in his room because he is black and is not allowed in the white bunkhouse, highlighting the racial segregation prevalent on the ranch.

Need for Companionship

Crooks emphasizes that prolonged solitude can lead to madness, underscoring the human need for companionship and social interaction to maintain mental health.

Skepticism toward Dreams

Crooks is skeptical about the dream of owning a farm, viewing it as unrealistic. However, he shows signs of hope and possibility when he learns about Candy's financial contribution, indicating a shift in his attitude toward the dream.

Fear of Curley's Wife

Men on the ranch hesitate to engage with Curley’s wife due to fear of Curley’s violent temperament and the trouble she brings, implying her disruptive influence on their lives.

Frustration with Husband

Curley's wife expresses dissatisfaction with her husband's disposition, revealing her feelings of isolation and frustration from his constant preoccupation with fighting instead of fostering a relationship.

Confidence in the Dream

Candy reassures the group that they are no longer fearful of Curley's wife because they have the dream farm as a safety net, alongside the assurance of finding other work if needed.

Confrontation and Boldness

Crooks gains confidence from Lennie's presence and the companionship of Candy and Lennie, enabling him to boldly confront Curley's wife and assert his own dignity within the racially charged environment.

Dismissal of Curley's Wife

Candy persuades Curley’s wife to leave the barn by promising not to disclose her presence to Curley, indicating a protective camaraderie among the men.

George's Observation

George expresses discomfort regarding Candy and Lennie's interactions with Crooks, revealing his concern about racial dynamics and the implications of sharing their dreams with a man of color in their harsh reality.

Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards summarizing Chapter 4 of 'Of Mice and Men'. Explore key concepts about the characters, especially Crooks, and their interactions. Perfect for studying and understanding the themes of loneliness and discrimination.