Mr. Crane Character Analysis in Black Boy

An optometrist from Illinois who lives in Jackson, Crane gives Wright a job in his shop, and says Wright will get a chance to learn the trade. Though Crane himself is not overtly racist, he does nothing to stop the racist Pease and Reynolds from harassing Wright, other than to express sadness that Richard must leave the job.

Mr. Crane Character Timeline in Black Boy

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Crane appears in Black Boy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...few days, Griggs says he can set up an appointment soon with a northerner named Crane, who runs an optometrist shop and needs a black assistant. Griggs stresses that, although Crane... (full context)

...several more days have passed, Griggs tells Richard that he has arranged the job with Crane, and that Richard will be paid five dollars a week—for Richard, a large sum. Richard... (full context)

Although Crane tells Richard that he will learn about optometry from the white employees, Pease and Reynolds... (full context)

...a “tough break,” and Richard sneaks into the office the next morning to meet with Crane before the rest of the employees arrive. Richard tells Crane that he is afraid for... (full context)

...shop, and speaks to the white owner, explaining that he (Richard) has experience working for Crane, an optician in Jackson, and that he only left because he was hounded off the... (full context)