1. Crooks Essay Feedback.

2. Positives. Good knowledge of the context of the novel.
Fluid and evaluative writing style.
Effective use of quotes to support your own comments.
Detailed analysis of sections of the text.
Use of notes to inform your own writing.

3. Aspects to Improve.
Context needs to be woven in to your response, not just written out. This is a literary essay, not a history one.
There needed to be more development of the key events in Crooks’ appearance in the novel.
More quotes are needed – single words or short phrases are fine.
Remember – he’s black, not coloured or dark skinned.
Accuracy! Capital letters for names. SepArate! Not assessed but still important! Enough exclamation marks I think!

4. 1. Introduction and function in the novel.
The points:
Only black man on the ranch.
He is described to us before we see him.
He is treated cruelly by the boss on occasions.
Described as a ‘negro’ by Steinbeck but as a ‘nigger’ by the other characters.
Significance?

5. 2. Context.
The points:
Novel depicts the life of migrant workers in 1930s America.
1929 Wall Street Crash caused mass unemployment.
Significance?

6. 3. First Impressions.
First meet him in conversation with Slim about the mule.
Chapter 4 is where we get a clear idea about his character.
Lives with the animals.
Opening of the chapter describes his possessions – what do they tell us about him?
Significance?

7. 4. Main Events Tortures Lennie when he comes into the room.
Talks about his upbringing on his father’s ranch.
Tries to become part of the dream.
Significance?
Is tormented by Curley’s wife.
Is scared by her threats

8. 5. Relationships 6. Conclusion How is he different to the other men?
Who does he have an equal relationship with? Why is this
6. Conclusion
Why did Steinbeck include him in the novel?
What is your response to his character?
Do you think that his character is an accurate representation of what life was like for black people in 1930s America?