In "Of Mice and Men" chapter 5 and
In "Of Mice and Men" Chapter 5, the focus shifts to the barn where Crooks, the black stable buck, is living. Curley's wife comes into the barn and starts talking to Crooks. She belittles him, reminding him of his position as a black man on the ranch. However, Crooks stands up to her and tells her to leave his room. She then threatens to tell the boss that he has been messing with her, a move that could get him lynched. This scares Crooks and he begs her not to do it.
Meanwhile, Lennie comes into the barn looking for his puppy. He sees Crooks and starts talking to him. Crooks, who is used to being treated poorly, is initially suspicious of Lennie but warms up to him. Lennie tells Crooks about his dream of owning a farm with George, and Crooks becomes interested in joining them. They discuss their dreams and the possibility of living a different life. However, Curley's wife interrupts them and reminds them of their place in society, crushing their dreams.
Just as the conversation becomes heated, Candy, an old ranch hand, enters the barn and joins the discussion. Candy also expresses interest in the dream of owning a farm, offering to contribute his life savings towards it. The three men start to believe that their dream might actually become a reality.
The chapter ends with Curley's wife threatening Crooks once again, leaving him feeling even more isolated and powerless. Meanwhile, Lennie is left alone in the barn, longing for the peace and security of their dream farm.