Problem
Because he is Black, Crooks cannot live in the bunkhouse with the others. He stays alone in a room which is in the barn; a manure pile is under the window. The only people who have ever been in Crooks' room before this evening are the Boss and Slim. Explain how Steinbeck is developing the themes of isolation and alienation with Crooks' character. Be sure to give examples from the novel to support what you say. Then, during his conversation with Lennie, Crooks begins to torment Lennie with the suggestion that George might not return. The narrator gives emphasis to Crooks' behavior with comments including, "Crooks' face lighted with pleasure in his torture" and "Crooks pressed forward some kind of private victory." It seems that Crooks wants Lennie to feel the sense of abandonment and loneliness that Crooks himself feels. To what degree, if any, could you excuse Crooks' attempt to make Lennie experience "terror"? Again, support your answer with examples from the text.