Of Mice and Men

Reagan Starcher                                                                                                                    Starcher 1

Mrs. Parkinson

English III

3.14.16

Of Mice and Men 

            Lennie goes into Crook’s room despite the fact that the other men on the farm do not go in. Crook informs Linnie, “You got no right to come in my room” (Steinbeck 68). Crook harshly tells Lennie to leave and that since he is not allowed in the white quarters, Linnie should not be allowed in his. The fact that Linnie enters his room anyways proves he does not understand racial barriers. His ignorance of society’s segregation opens the door for interaction between white and blacks on the farm. Linne engages in conversation with Crook and they proceeded to talk about talk about future dreams. Although mocking of people with large dreams at first, Crook begins to like the sound of a little ranch to own. Crook eventually states, “If you…guys would want a hand to work for nothing-just his keep, why I’d come an’ lend a hand” (Steinbeck 76). This shows a shift in Crooks opinion of the other men on the farm and him wanting to form better relationships with them. Lennie’s action to talk to Crook could be the beginning of a merge between the men on the farm.

America by Claude McKay

Reagan Starcher

Mrs. Parkinson
English III
3.7.16

Harlem Renaissance

The duality that existed in America can be learned from the writers of the Harlem Renaissance. The poem America by Claude McKay offers a unique and contrasting view of society. At a time while many were embracing the care-free lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties, other were struggling to escape the dark, and discriminatory consequences of the Jim Crow Laws. Both the love and hate that existed within America at the time is depicted throughout the poem. The negative view is revealed in the beginning when it reads, "Feeds me bread of bitterness." This statement means that although the country is providing for its people, there are limited rights and underlying problems for many individuals. The negative view transitions to analyze things from a more positive perspective of America. The statement, "I love this cultured hell..." shows that despite his disagreement with the inequalities in the country, he still loves it and the opportunities for future prosperity that exist. The duality of the poem reflects the contrasting lifestyles during this time period. This contrast speaks to the power of the writing and proves thoughtfulness by the author. We are able to learn from reading publishings from the Harlem Renaissance that this time was a breakthrough period for African Americans that helped them to regain hope in the country.