post 5 of 7 (pgs. 65-81) -Griselda

Griselda Casillas
Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck
Read book one by Oct. 6
Post by Oct. 6

Hey Julianna, 

          While reading section 5 (pgs. 65-81) I noticed that a theme that described Crooks was loneliness. He pretended that he doesn’t like being in the presence of people because he knows he would get in trouble by Curley or the boss. But Crook prefers to be treated like a normal person, and not a disrespected African American who doesn’t have many rights. Crook, Candy and Lennie seemed to be having a great time. Lennie and Candy told Crook’s about the plan George and them had. But Crook explained, “You guys Is just kiddin’ yourself. You’ll talk about is a hell of a lot, but you won’t get no land…” (74). Candy angrily replied, “You God dam right we’re gonna do it. George says we are. We got the money right now” (74). After a while, Crooks was getting into the conversation and stated, “…If you… guys would want a hand to work for nothing---just his keep, why I’d come an’ lend a hand…” (75).

          But they didn’t have such a good time when Curley’s wife showed up. All of them didn’t feel comfortable with her there. Another theme I saw Crook portray was confidence because when Curley’s wife came in and she said, “Funny thing, If I catch any one man… I get along fine with him. But just let two of the guys get together an’ you won’t talk”. “…You’re all scared of each other, that’s what… Ever’ one of you’s scared the rest is goin’ to get something on you” (75). Crook responded, “Maybe you better go along to your own house now. We don’t want no trouble” (76). Curley’s wife just kept talking and Crook stated, “I had enough, You got no rights comin’ in a colored man’s room… Now you jus’ get out, an’ get out quick. If you don’t, I’m gonna ast the boss not to ever let you come in the barn no more” (78).

On the other hand, Crook was scared when Curley’s wife said, “Listen, Nigger. You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?” (78). Curley’s wife specified, “You know what I could do?” (78). A theme I found in this section that Crooks represented was intimidation because he was scared of what Curley’s wife would do, if he spoke because he was an African American. “Crooks had reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego--- nothing to arouse either like or dislike” (79). Crooks responded in a toneless voice, “Yes, ma’am” (79). George and the others came in and left Crooks in his room again.