| What does the description of Crook’s room reveal about its occupant? | Crooks lives alone because he is black. He is more permanent than the others because of his crippled back. He has more possessions than the others |
| Why is Crooks’ name appropriate? | Reflection on the fact he has a crooked back but also the twisted, lonely existence because of prejudice |
| Why does Crooks allow Lennie to enter his room? | Crooks takes advantage of Lennie’s lack of comprehension and relate some unrevealed facts about his life. Taunts Lennie with the idea that George might be hurt |
| How do Crook’s words to Lennie about loneliness reinforce this theme of the novel? | Crooks is especially lonely because he is black, and reading does not substitute for the lack of company from others |
| What is Crooks’ reaction to the dream of the farm? | he is skeptical and tells them that many have not succeeded with this dream but changes his views when he sees that they have already collected some money |
| Show how Candy’s comments to Crooks and Lennie relate the dream of the land to Steinbeck’s theme of economic exploitation. | Steinbeck preached the merits of community over the individual. Candy’s dream of a home to share with others and a place to belong, underscores what being valued means to the human psyche. Sharing his money with George and Lennie is more than a financial investment: it means a chance at quenching his loneliness. |
| How does the behavior of Curley’s wife seem deliberately designed to provoke the men? | She alternatively scorns the men for not going into town then flirts with them. She flirts with Lennie |
| What motives does Steinbeck suggest for her behavior? | She fits the description of a tramp, a glimpse into her mind may create sympathy for her |
| How is her nature, as a destructive character most clearly revealed? | When she lashes out at Crooks |
| In what ways does Crooks retreat before her attack? | He shrinks physically and refuses to look at her |
| Give some examples of foreshadowing in this chapter. | … |
Chapter 4 Of Mice and Men
April 29, 2020