Final answer:
Crooks shares his personal history with Lennie in 'Of Mice and Men' due to his isolated condition and longing for companionship, revealing his more stable past and the contrast to his present situation of racial discrimination and loneliness.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Crooks reveals personal information about himself to Lennie in Of Mice and Men, it demonstrates a rare moment of connection and vulnerability. Crooks is often isolated because of his race and physical disability, which leads to his crave for meaningful human interaction. By confiding in Lennie, a character with limited understanding, Crooks finds an opportunity to express his feelings and past without fear of repercussion. Through his conversation with Lennie, we learn that Crooks has experienced a relatively more stable past, with his father owning a chicken ranch. This memory from his past highlights a stark contrast to his current situation, living in solitude and dealing with racial discrimination on the ranch where they both work.
The character of Crooks is shaped by his past and his experiences as a black man in America, which gives us insight into the broader themes of loneliness and prejudice in the novel. His willingness to open up to Lennie also speaks to his desperation for companionship and reflects the overall human condition: the innate desire for understanding and belonging.