Of Mice and Men Character Loneliness

Questions and Answers

Why is Crooks lonely?

Because he is black and he has to live in the stables with the horses, not in the bunkhouse with the other workers.

Why does Lennie wander into Crooks' room?

He is lonely because the other men have gone into town to the brothel; he sees Crooks' light on and goes to his room.

Why is Crooks rude to Lennie?

Crooks says if he isn't welcome in the bunkhouse, then Lennie isn't welcome in his room.

What is Crooks' initial evaluation of Lennie?

He's 'jes' nuts' and doesn't understand anything. Signup and view all the answers

How does Crooks taunt Lennie?

Crooks tells Lennie that if George never came back Lennie would be sent away and locked up. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Crooks relent in his taunting of Lennie?

He is afraid Lennie will hurt him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Curley's wife suspect about Curley's injury?

She knows he didn't get his hand caught in a machine; from seeing Lennie's bruise, she suspects Lennie broke Curley's hand. Signup and view all the answers

What is Curley's wife's reaction to the dream of the farm with the rabbits?

She laughs, knowing the ranch hands will never settle down anywhere. Signup and view all the answers

How does the promise of the farm embolden Candy and Crooks?

He didn't believe it was ever going to happen. He said he heard the same old story a thousand times from every bundle stiff that came through the ranch. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Loneliness of Characters

Curley's wife experiences loneliness due to her isolation as a woman on the ranch.
Candy feels lonely because of his age and impending disability.
Crooks suffers loneliness as a black man, forced to live apart from others in the stable, highlighting racial segregation.

Lennie's Interaction with Crooks

Lennie wanders into Crooks' room out of loneliness, as other men are away in town.
Crooks initially responds to Lennie with hostility because he feels marginalized and reflects that rejection back onto Lennie.

Perceptions and Taunts

Crooks perceives Lennie as foolish, labeling him as "jes' nuts" for not understanding the reality of his circumstances.
In an effort to exert power, Crooks taunts Lennie by suggesting that without George, Lennie would end up locked away.

Fear and Reluctance

Crooks eventually backs down from taunting Lennie, driven by a fear of physical harm from Lennie's strength.

Curley's Injury and Suspicions

Curley's wife suspects the truth behind Curley's injury, inferring from Lennie's bruise that Lennie was responsible for breaking Curley’s hand.

Reactions to Dreams and Aspirations

Curley's wife reacts dismissively to the dream of owning a farm with rabbits, indicating skepticism about the ranch hands’ aspirations for stability.
The prospect of having a farm invigorates Candy and Crooks initially, but Curley's wife dismisses it as unrealistic, reflecting prevalent hopelessness among migrant workers.

Disillusionment

Crooks expresses deep skepticism about the farm dream, noting that he has heard similar promises before from many transient workers, indicating a cycle of disillusionment and dashed hopes.

Description

This quiz explores the theme of loneliness in John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men', focusing on the experiences of characters like Curley's wife, Candy, and Crooks. Through their interactions, the quiz delves into the impact of isolation, racial segregation, and personal struggles faced by these characters. Test your understanding of their dynamics and how loneliness shapes their lives.