Curley Flashcards
(5 cards)
“He’s alla time picking ____ with big guys.”
“He’s alla time picking scraps with big guys.”
Reveals Curley’s inferiority complex and need to assert power. Reflects toxic masculinity and insecurity.
“You seen a ____ around here?”
“You seen a girl around here?”
Highlights Curley’s possessiveness and controlling nature. Links to patriarchal control and male insecurity.
“Curley’s like a lot of little guys. He ____ big guys.”
“Curley’s like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys.”
Reflects Curley’s inferiority complex and how it fuels his aggressive behaviour.
“Glove fulla ____.”
“Glove fulla vaseline.”
Curley wears a glove to keep his hand soft for his wife. Other men mock him, suggesting he’s overcompensating or trying to show he’s in control, though it’s symbolic of his need to possess her sexually.
“Curley stepped over to Lennie like a ____.”
“Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier.”
The simile “like a terrier” suggests small, snappy aggression, showing how Steinbeck animalises Curley to portray his impulsiveness.
