In chapter 4 of “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, the story takes place on a Saturday night while most of the characters are out of town. Lennie, wandering in the barn, meets Crooks and asks to chat with him while the others are away.
Though at first hesitant, Crooks eventually allows Lennie to join him in his bunk. Our focus in this article is to provide a comprehensive summary of what happened in chapter 4 of “Of Mice and Men.
According to study.com, the chapter starts with the description of Crooks’ room, which is separate from the other men’s quarters, and he is the only black stable hand on the ranch. As Lennie enters, Crooks tries to assert his superiority and autonomy but softens when Lennie mentions the dream of owning their own farm with George.
Meanwhile, Candy also enters and soon follows by Curley’s wife. Curley’s wife talks with the three men, including Lennie, who gets in trouble for petting her soft hair.
George arrives, and they all leave, except for Lennie, who remains behind to talk with Crooks again. The chapter continues with crooks opening up about his own dream of being accepted as a member of society.
However, Curley’s wife interrupts their conversation again, causing more tension among the characters. The chapter ends with all of them leaving the barn, except for Lennie, who stays behind to avoid getting in trouble with George again.
In conclusion, chapter 4 of “Of Mice and Men” gives us more insight into the different characters’ dreams and desires, as well as highlighting the theme of isolation and loneliness. Through the interactions between Lennie, Crooks, and Curley’s wife, we see how their desires clash and how difficult it is to achieve the American Dream during the Great Depression.
“What happened in chapter 4 of mice and men” reinforces this theme and sets up the following chapters for more conflict and tension.
Summary of Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of the novel Of Mice and Men is set on a Saturday night when most of the workers have gone into town, leaving Lennie, Candy, and Crooks behind. Lennie asks Crooks if he can hang out with him, and despite initial reluctance, Crooks eventually caves in and allows him to enter his bunk.
Candy later joins them. However, their conversation is interrupted when Curley’s wife bursts into the barn, causing tension among the group.
Analyzing Chapter 4
The Theme of Isolation
In chapter 4 of Mice and Men, the theme of isolation is highlighted through Crooks’ character. As a black stable hand on the ranch, he experiences discrimination and heightened loneliness.
When Lennie enters his room, Crooks initially resists his company due to this isolation. This behavior shows that his harsh exterior covers up the fact that he is a sensitive and intelligent person.
Ultimately, Crooks allows Lennie to join him, showing that even he needs human connection and acceptance.
Curley’s Wife’s Characterization
In chapter 4 of Mice and Men, Curley’s wife’s character is further developed. The men on the ranch often misconstrue her intentions and treat her with hostility.
She is shown to be lonely and longs for companionship, which is why she frequently visits the other workers. However, when she enters Crooks’ room, she is met with resentment from the men, who fear getting into trouble with Curley.
Her final appearance in this chapter adds to the dramatic tension of the novel and foreshadows future events. According to study.com, “The curtains close on Chapter 4 of Of Mice and Men with George leading Lennie and Candy back to their quarters, after his night out in town.
In a poignant moment, Crooks confides in Candy that he desires to find a new home away from the farm.
What Happened in Chapter 4 of Mice and Men?
In Chapter 4 of “Of Mice and Men“, George returns to the bunkhouse after a night out and finds Lennie and Candy there. The three discuss their plan to buy a piece of land and Candy offers to contribute his savings to the purchase.
Curley’s wife then enters the bunkhouse, seeking companionship and attention, and begins to flirt with the men. Crooks, the stable hand who is African American, also joins the group briefly but is then told to leave by Curley’s wife.
The chapter ends with Curley’s wife leaving the bunkhouse and the men continued to discuss their dream of owning a piece of land.
