Steinbeck has included Crooks to represent black people in America and show how they were treated. It appears likely that Steinbeck is against segregation and is trying to shock the reader with the way Crooks is treated by the other characters in the novel.

What is the symbolism of crooks?

Each of the characters represents a kind of person in American society and often one that is a victim of discrimination. For example, Crooks represents a segment of American society that is discriminated against because of race; Curley's wife, because of gender; Candy, because of old age and physical handicap.

How does crooks represent loneliness?

Analysis. Crooks is physically separated from the other workers on the ranch because of his race. This literal isolation makes him angry and bitter towards people when they do approach him, demonstrating the damaging effects of loneliness.