Crooks Position In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

One may choose to categorize an individual based upon their appearance or beliefs. On the contrary, one’s character can only be determined based upon their beliefs and happiness, not from what society may assume. The novella entitled, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck highlights the adventures of two outcasts and their quest to find their own utopia. However, they are continuously judged by their position in the world whilst attempting to further their travels. Three characters that are affected by their position in the world are George, Crooks, and Lennie who all feel separated as a result.

Indubitably, George’s position in the world is a low class worker desperately trying to make a living moving to and fro. George must receive working

tickets in order to tend fields and help out around farms. Conjointly, he is affected by his position in the world because his work ethic surpasses most of his age, but only receives little pay. For instance, in the novella Of Mice and Men George communicates, “‘...We’re gonna go in an’ see the boss. Now, look-I’ll give him the work tickets, but you ain’t gonna say a word’” (Steinbeck 6). Early in the novel, George expresses that Lennie and himself must acquire work tickets in order to only earn a miniscule income. As a result, George begins to feel separated from the world because he is currently unable to purchase his own land and settle down. Additionally, George is affected by his position in the world because old acquaintances do not want to communicate any further with him. Steinbeck accentuates the character of George by including the dialogue betwixt Lennie and George: ‘“Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place” (Steinbeck 13). From the position that George currently holds within the world, it forces him to not have contact with family. Subsequently, George feels separated from the world due to the fact he cannot reach out to relatives.
Next, Crooks’ position in the world can be portrayed as an African American male during the Great Depression, attempting to find self worth within the world.

Crooks has been on the same farm for years, constantly being mistreated by whoever wandered onto it. For example, in the novella Of Mice and Men the character Old Candy contributes, “‘Ya see the stable buck’s a nigger’” (Steinbeck 20). Crooks is constantly classified by the color of his skin. People constantly poke fun and throw racist, ungodly comments his way. He is affected by his position in the world because he is unable to earn substantial pay and feels separated from society because of the tone of his skin. Corrpsoifnyl, Crooks is unable to participate in games on the farm, nor live in the same living quarters as the others because of his skin color. For instance, on page 68 Crooks states in a conversation with Lennie, “‘Why you ain’t wanted?’ Lennie asked. ‘’Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink.’” (Steinbeck). Crooks position in the world causes him to be unable to participate in events just because he is an African American member of society. Proportionately, Crooks feels separated because he cannot make a mark on the world because of the color of his skin and is forced to tend to farms for little to no pay for hours at a

time.
Finally, Lennie’s position in the world affects his overall well-being.

Lennie is an enormous human who is made fun of for being slow, both mentally and physically, and is often picked on. For example, in the novella Of Mice and Men Lennie frantically exclaims, “‘George,’ he cried. ‘Make ‘um leave me alone, George.’ He Backed until he was against the wall, and Curley followed, slugging him in the face. Lennie’s hands remained at his sides; he was too frightened to defend himself” (Steinbeck 63). The character, Curley is trying to start a fight with Lennie. However, Lennie is extremely scared and does not like fighting even though he is giant. As a result, Lennie’s position in the world causes him to be picked on due to him being forgetful and not the “sharpest pencil in the box”. Correspondingly, Lennie is viewed as a monster due to his significant size. He is constantly accused of hurting animals on purpose and even human beings. For instance, on page 65 George adds, “‘He didn’t know what to do. I told you nobody ought never to fight him’” (Steinbeck). After attacking Lennie, Curley makes Lennie out to be a monster and tells everyone that he crushed his hand on purpose. In reality, Lennie was defending himself which forced him to feel separated from the other based upon his position in society because he is viewed as an outcast since he is quite

immense.
In essence, one should not be assessed based upon their appearance, nor their ability to complete everyday tasks. Yet, society seems to categorize their peers on the flaws that make one human. The novella, Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck highlights the journey that two ordinary, life lifelong friends take to reach moral success. Along the way, they are plagued by the judgement of others and are forced to be positioned in the world based upon the words of other people. Three characters that are highly troubled with their position in the world are George, Crooks, and Lennie. Ultimately, the characters prove that one should not be judged based upon appearance. An individual should be recognized for their heart and their will to assist others. In a perfect society, one would be treated correctly.