Write About the Ways in Which Steinbeck Presents Either...

Write about the ways in which Steinbeck presents either Crooks or Curley’s wife. To what extent does he create sympathy for either of these characters? Of Mice and Men is set in 1930’s America in the middle of the economic depression. It is geared towards the pursuit of the American dream, promoting the ideas of equality, life, liberty and happiness. Steinbeck uses Crooks, and to some extent Curley’s wife to challenge the perception of equality and sometimes the language used is, by modern standards, racist and misogynistic. There is an irony in the fact that the people judging Crooks are less intelligent than he is and they refuse to look at anything other than the stereotype of his ethnicity. Steinbeck reveals as much about†¦show more content†¦When Lennie first enters, Crooks is at first defensive as he is not used to visitors invading his personal space. He then realises he can have some fun with Lennie, who is nowhere near his intellectual equal and Crooks reveals a slightly sadistic streak. He metaphorically, dances all over the slow witted Lennie and is far too quick for him. While he is trying t o make the point that although Lennie has George, he is all alone, he enjoys tormenting Lennie Crooks face lighted with pleasure in his torture. (Steinbeck, 1937, p75). Perhaps this was one of the few opportunities he had to sharpen his mind, and he seized it. However, he was quick enough to realise the danger when Lennie was upset and backed down immediately. This was undoubtedly self-preservation, as Lennie was a big man whom had recently mangled Curley’s hand, but he may have realised he had gone too far and wanted to rectify the situation. Steinbeck uses Crooks’ conversation with Lennie as a means for Crooks to vocalise his position. Lennie asks why he is not welcome in the bunk room and Crooks is aware of the fact he has to spell it out for Lennie (and the reader) and replies â€Å"Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black.† (Steinbeck, 1937, p72) This illustrates the rejection Crooks receives on a daily basis. During his conversation with Lennie and later Candy, who subsequently joins them, it is