How is crooks influenced by the world that he lives in?

Crooks is relegated to living beside the horse stables in a hovel. He feels he is shunned by society because of his color. He reads law books to make him feel like one day he might have a little control over is own destiny. Even though he is very lonely, he is conditioned not to let whites, even friendly clueless Lennie, into his hovel. He would love to have company but feels he must protect the shred of pride he has left.