Lots of discussion about Of Mice and Men at the minute. Fascinated by it. I am not particularly wedded to it as a text, but I do appreciate its structure and language. Some thoughts on Crooks that most not be forgotten. #teamenglish @DiverseEd2020
The novella’s only black character is called the n word and treated badly by other characters - an inescapable fact. Teaching the text requires us to contextualise the language, gauge the impact of using the word etc. I have always pre-taught that aspect with warnings about it
And questioned the use of the word. I stopped saying the word out loud years ago when reading aloud as it makes me uncomfortable and students uncomfortable. But I have continued to teach the text. Why?
Because it is a meditation on power - how oppression comes in varied forms - as sexism, as capitalism, as racism, as classism. Crooks is one aspect of this meditation. Steinbeck presents him as a victim - yes, but also as smart, learned, with a history and a backstory.
He shows us that Crooks is a victim - but that other characters are also victims. Curley’s wife, Lennie, George, Candy. An exercise in examining power and oppression - who has the most power? Who has the least power and why? Steinbeck is far more sympathetic in portraying Crooks
Than he is of some of the other characters. It feels like Steinbeck is critical of the way Crooks is treated. Simplistic readings miss this. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching it, that’s okay. For some people, it’s a brilliant way to introduce the concepts
Of inequality and power imbalances. Best to talk about with teachers and students to see what they think. If you do choose to teach it, can you find another text with more positive representation of black characters to show alternative perspectives?
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