Curley quotes Flashcards
(14 cards)
“His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.”
Establishes Curley’s aggressive, confrontational character. Small property owners often vigorously defended their status during economic upheaval.
“Curley’s pretty handy. He done quite a bit in the ring. He’s a lightweight, and he’s handy.”
Establishes Curley’s physical power over other ranch workers. Boxing was a popular sport that symbolized masculine power in the 1930s.
“Curley’s like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys. He’s alla time picking scraps with big guys. Kind of like he’s mad at ’em because he ain’t a big guy.”
Explains Curley’s compensatory aggression due to his small stature. Physical strength remained important in manual labor economies despite mechanization.
“S’pose Curley jumps a big guy an’ licks him. Ever’body says what a game guy Curley is. And s’pose he does the same thing and gets licked. Then ever’body says the big guy oughtta pick somebody his own size.”
Shows how Curley manipulates social expectations to his advantage. Size-based hierarchies were common in physical labor environments.
“Curley burst into the room excitedly. ‘Any you guys seen my wife?’ he demanded.”
Shows Curley’s controlling behavior toward his wife. Women were often considered property in marriages of the era.
“You see, the thing is, my old man’s vice-president of the Shawnee Land and Cattle Company.”
Curley establishing his authority through family connection. Class mobility was often tied to family connections rather than merit.
“Curley was balanced and poised. He slashed at Lennie with his left, and then smashed down his nose with a right.”
Shows Curley’s fighting experience and initial advantage. Boxing skills were respected and often used to maintain social dominance.
“Curley’s fist was swinging when Lennie reached for it. The next minute Curley was flopping like a fish on a line, and his closed fist was lost in Lennie’s big hand.”
The moment when power dynamics shift dramatically between Curley and Lennie. Physical strength ultimately trumped social position in violent confrontations.
“Curley sat down on the floor, looking in wonder at his crushed hand.”
Moment of Curley’s humiliation and loss of power. Physical injury to hands was particularly devastating for manual laborers.
“I’ll kill the big son-of-a-bitch myself. I’ll shoot ’im in the guts.”
Shows Curley’s vindictiveness and desire for violent revenge. Frontier justice remained common in rural areas despite formal legal systems.
“But Curley’s gonna want to shoot ‘im. Curley’s still mad about his hand.” Slim to George about Lennie
Shows how George must navigate the aftermath of conflict with higher-status individuals. Social hierarchies required careful management after conflicts.
“Curley never seen it.” Narrator about Curley when others discuss how his wife is lonely
Shows Curley’s emotional disconnection from his wife’s needs. Male emotional obliviousness was normalized, especially in marriages.
“Curley’s pants is just crawlin’ with ants.” Whit
Crude way of describing Curley’s jealousy and suspicion. Sexual jealousy was considered a natural male prerogative.
“His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch.”
Shows Curley’s constant readiness for physical confrontation. Physical intimidation was a common method of maintaining status in labor hierarchies.
