CURLEY Flashcards
(4 cards)
Key Themes Curley Represents
Power and Authority: He uses his position to intimidate the workers.
Masculinity: His aggressive and violent behavior reflects toxic masculinity.
Isolation: Despite being powerful, he is emotionally isolated.
Violence and Conflict: He is a source of tension and aggression in the novel.
Insecurity: His need to constantly prove his toughness stems from inner weakness.
Key Quotes & Analysis
- “Curley’s like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys. He’s alla time picking scraps with big guys.”
— Steinbeck presents Curley as having “small man syndrome”—he tries to assert dominance to compensate for his size. - “Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier.”
— The simile likens him to a small but aggressive dog, reinforcing his impulsive and combative nature. - “His hands closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch.”
— Describes his readiness to fight, showing how he defaults to violence as a way to feel in control. - “I don’t like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella.” — Curley’s wife
— Even his own wife dislikes him, highlighting his unlikable personality and emotional failings.
Contextual Points
1930s America / Great Depression: Curley has job security and status due to nepotism, unlike the itinerant workers.
Gender roles: Curley expects his wife to be obedient and is jealous when she talks to other men, showing controlling attitudes typical of the time.
Violence as control: Reflects a society where physical strength and power are valued.
Curley in the Structure of the Novel
He acts as a foil to characters like Lennie and Slim.
His aggression drives plot events (e.g., the fight with Lennie, conflict over his wife).
He contributes to the tragic ending by pushing for Lennie’s death, showing his lack of empathy and thirst for revenge.
