John Steinbeck uses various methods to underline the theme of loneliness, one very direct way he has portrayed this is by two characters having a conversation expressing their personal feelings “a guy talkin’ to another guy and it don’t make no difference if he don’t hear or understand. The thing is, they’re talkin'”. This indicates that the relationships between individuals of that time were very separated. People lacked the main aspect of a relationship, trust, as a result of this relationships built suspicion. Another way he has expressed loneliness in this novel is by the actions and personalities of the characters, for example Curleys Wife is a very of attention or a stable relationship. This expresses she is not satisfied with her marriage with Curley is lacking these features.
Quote 1: “I ain’t so crippled I can’t work like a son-of-a-butch if I want to”
Description: “A lean negro head, lined with pain, the eyes patient”
Description 2:”He’s body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine, and his eyes lay deep in his head, and because of their depth seemed to glitter with intensity” Crooks was given the whole of the fifth chapter with is surprising as he was black and to all of the characters he is just ‘The Nigger’
Description 3: “Damn that Nigger can pitch shoes” “He’s plenty good” “Damn right he is, He don’t give nobody else a chance to win” Even he is spoken about in such a light manor an a positive way, he is still referred to as just ‘The Nigger’
Crooks role in the novel ‘Of mice and men’ is quite significant as with his presence you can observe the harsh reality of the segregation and discrimination towards black people of that time. Even though black people had certain rights, in this case they were not seen as equal and were separated from the rest of the white group mainly for the color of their skin.
The conversation between Lennie and Crooks shows us his real deep feelings towards society, John Steinbeck gets these feelings across through informal conversation with Lennie, where as he’s feelings are not directed at Lennie but at the reader. Even though he is black and is not seen as a part of the ‘close net’ society at the ranch, it is still realistic as Lennie is used as a barrier.
“Damn that Nigger can pitch shoes”. He’s seen in a positive way yet has no individuality to any other character. Crooks is has a significant role in this novel as he is a sharp reminder of the segregation and discrimination of the black individuals of that time.