How does Curley’s wife threaten Crooks on page 81? Why is she able to get away with this threat? What does this show us about race relations in the 20s and 30s.

Crooks is relishing the company he has with Lennie. It's not the most stimulating conversation but it is company he so terribly misses. Curley's wife comes by on the pretence of looking for Curley (she is always "looking" for Curley) Crooks tells her to leave. Curley's wife turns vicious and threatens to accuse Crooks of rape. For Crooks, the punishment would mean certain death. Crooks is the only person that Curley's wife might have power over. His misery makes Curley's wife more despondent about her own misery. Humiliating and threatening Crooks gives her a little self-esteem. Curley's wife is perhaps the most pathetic character in the book. I feel sad for her.