Question

of mice and men
chapter four notes
questions /
key quotes
notes
where does this chapter
take place? why is that
important?
images and themes to track
what does marginalization mean?
main events:

1. lennie visits crooks in his bunkhouse who lives

alone because _.

1. crooks emotionally tortures lennie by telling him

george _.

1. candy shows up and the three of them talk about

the farm.

1. _.

partner discussion
find a new partner for each question. record a summary of your discussion.

1. why do you think crooks

takes pleasure in being
mean to lennie?

1. do you think crooks

appreciates having visitors
in his living space? how can
you tell?

1. how does crooks respond

to the story of the dream?

1. what do candy, crooks,

and lennie have in
common on the ranch or in
society?

1. why do you think

steinbeck includes this
chapter in the book?

Explanation:

1. Crooks is a black stable - hand who is isolated due to racism. Lennie is mentally disabled. Crooks, feeling powerless in the face of racism, may take pleasure in being mean to Lennie as a way to assert some form of power. Since Lennie is vulnerable and different (mentally), Crooks can feel a temporary sense of superiority.
2. At first, Crooks seems dismissive and tries to push Lennie away (e.g., by saying Lennie has no right to be in his room). But as the conversation goes on, he starts to open up (talking about his own loneliness). This shows that deep down, he appreciates the company, even if he initially acts tough.
3. Crooks is initially skeptical. He has been let down by life (due to racism and isolation) and is used to broken dreams. But as the conversation progresses, he starts to show interest. He asks questions about the dream (like if there's a place for him). This shows that he wants to believe in the dream but is cautious.
4. Candy is old and has a disability (missing a hand). Crooks is black (facing racism) and has a spinal injury. Lennie is mentally disabled. All three are marginalized in society. On the ranch, they are seen as less valuable (Candy because of age/disability, Crooks because of race/disability, Lennie because of mental disability). They all long for a sense of belonging (the dream farm).
5. Steinbeck includes this chapter to show the different forms of marginalization (race - Crooks, age/disability - Candy, mental disability - Lennie). It also deepens the theme of loneliness and the American Dream. By showing these characters' interactions and their hopes/doubts about the dream, Steinbeck critiques a society that leaves these people behind. It also shows that even in a group of marginalized people, there can be power dynamics (Crooks initially being mean to Lennie).

Answer:

1. Crooks takes pleasure in being mean to Lennie as a way to assert power over a vulnerable (mentally disabled) person, given his own power - lessness due to racism.
2. Crooks appreciates visitors. Initially dismissive (tough exterior), but opens up (shows interest in conversation), indicating underlying loneliness and desire for company.
3. Crooks is initially skeptical (used to broken dreams) but later shows interest (asks about inclusion in the dream), showing a mix of hope and caution.
4. Candy (old/disabled), Crooks (black/disabled), Lennie (mentally disabled) are all marginalized (socially/on the ranch) and long for belonging (the dream farm).
5. Steinbeck includes the chapter to explore marginalization (different forms: race, age/disability, mental disability), deepen themes of loneliness and the American Dream, and critique a society that marginalizes these groups.