Final answer:
Crooks abandons the dream of the farm because the likelihood of achieving it is undercut by the harsh realities and systemic barriers of the era, such as rampant discrimination and economic hardship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crooks abandons the dream of the farm due to the harsh realities of discrimination and socio-economic challenges during the Great Depression. When considering the fate of many who failed to successfully manage a successful farm, faced with relentless commissions, interest charges, and the threat of foreclosure, it becomes clear that the dream is precarious and the hurdles too great. The disillusionment is akin to other parables and tales where hardships and broken promises lead to dreams being cast aside, such as in the references to Robinson and Friday's agreement, where failure to meet expectations leads to renegotiation and loss of trust.
In literature, the realization or abandonment of a dream often serves as a critical turning point for characters, reflecting larger systemic issues that affect their lives. Crooks's decision to forsake the dream reveals the pervasive influence of racial discrimination and economic insecurity, illustrating how these systemic barriers can crush individual aspirations. The overarching theme of broken dreams resonates with other stories where characters confront the stark contrast between their aspirations and the abrasive reality that jeopardizes such dreams.
The dream of the farm represents the universal longing for a better life, the pursuit of happiness, and the quest for a peaceful existence against all odds. Crooks, along with other characters in the literary narrative, embodies the fragility of hope in an unpredictable world.