The most tragic
figure in is Crooks. Crooks is a symbol of the oppression and the
segragation that was present during the 1930s Depression Era. He is in a situation where his
status will never change. He lives in the barn with the horses. The men don't want him in the
bunk with them because he is Black and because they say he stinks. Crooks is disabled physically
because a horse bucked him.
Also, there is no indication that there are other
African-Americans living in his town. He tells the story of the farm his father owned and how he
played with "white children." Nevertheless, Crooks is not married and does not appear
to have children. This is a status he shares with the other men. However, if he is one of the
few Blacks in town and racial intermarriage is illegal at this time, he is faced with no dating
options. Those facts add to his loneliness and anger at no opportunity to socialize or have love
in his life.
Despite the fact that he is educated, he is considered inferior
and unworthy of company. There is no way for Crooks to elevate his status and receive equal
treatment. For example, Crooks has a Civil Code (Law Book) in his room, dictionary and other
books. Nevertheless, his status as under class citizen will never change despite his
intelligence. Hope is an essential part of the American Dream. When there is no hope for
social/economic progress or love a character becomes TRAGIC.
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