Answer:
In chapter 4 of Of Mice and Men, the novel's theme of discrimination is fully developed. The chapter takes place at the ranch where the story is set, and all of the characters who are left behind experience some form of discrimination. Candy, Crooks, Lennie, and Curley's wife are among the characters that experience discrimination in this chapter.
One character that experiences discrimination in this chapter is Crooks. Crooks is a black stable hand who lives alone in the barn because of the discrimination he faces from the other ranch hands. He is isolated and treated as an outcast because of the color of his skin. Crooks is also physically disabled, which adds to the discrimination he experiences. Steinbeck uses Crooks' character to show the effects of discrimination and the loneliness and isolation it can cause.
In the chapter, Crooks is confronted by Lennie, who is also discriminated against because of his mental disability. Crooks initially rejects Lennie's friendly advances, but eventually opens up to him. As they talk, Crooks expresses his bitterness and resentment towards the white ranch hands and their discriminatory attitudes. He says, "A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you." (Steinbeck, 58) This quote highlights Crooks' feelings of isolation and loneliness caused by discrimination.
In this chapter, Steinbeck uses Crooks' character to show the effects of discrimination and the loneliness and isolation it can cause. Through Crooks' interactions with Lennie, the author also highlights the power of friendship and human connection in overcoming discrimination and its negative effects.