Curley

Question 1

“Come on, ya big bastard. Get up on your feet”

Answer 1

Theme Violence: He’s quick to violence, especially toward those by, reinforcing his need to prove dominance.

Question 2

“He’s alla time picking scraps with big guys“

Answer 2

Theme Violence: Curley’s insecurity leads him to exploit his position to antagonize larger men, using his social status as protection from retaliation.

Question 3

“I’ll get him lynched. I’ll shoot ’im in the guts”

Answer 3

Theme Violence: After Lennie kills Curley’s wife, Curley immediately calls for revenge. His first instinct is violence and vengeance, with no empathy or understanding. It highlights his brutal nature.

Question 4

“You seen a girl around here?”

Answer 4

Theme Attitudes towards women: He doesn’t refer to her by name—only as “a girl” or “my wife”—which dehumanises her and shows that he sees her as property, not as a person.

Question 5

“Glove filled with vaseline”

Answer 5

Theme Attitudes towards women: This crude, sexualized comment is meant to show Curley’s dominance and control over his wife’s sexuality—but it’s more about bragging and male ego than affection.

Question 6

“Don’t you even take a look at that bitch”

Answer 6

Theme Atittudes towards women: Curley’s hostility and suspicion make others fearful of even being near his wife. This suggests toxic control, as he uses fear to keep men and his wife apart.

Question 7

“Well, nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke to.“

Answer 7

Theme Power: Shows how Curley uses intimidation and status to dominate others as he is the bosses son.

Question 8

“What the hell you laughin’ at?”

Answer 8

Theme Power: Curley uses intimidation tactics to provoke Lennie, exploiting the fact that Lennie won’t defend himself unless ordered to