Small in stature but large in aggression, Curley, the boss’s son in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, struts through the ranch with a chip on his shoulder.
He embodies the insecurity that breeds hostility, constantly seeking to prove his dominance, particularly over larger men.
Driven by jealousy and a possessive nature, Curley’s presence injects immediate tension into the bunkhouse atmosphere.
His quick temper and privileged position make him a dangerous catalyst for conflict, playing a key role in the novella’s tragic unfolding.
Examine the volatile nature of Curley through 25 key quotes. See his initial confrontations, the simmering resentment revealed by others, his explosive rage, the humiliating consequences, and his vengeful pursuit, all with analysis and page numbers.
Chip on His Shoulder: Establishing Dominance
From his first appearance, Curley seeks to assert his authority and intimidate the newcomers, particularly the physically imposing Lennie.
“His eyes passed over the new men and he stopped. He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch. His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: The narrator describing Curley, Theme: Aggression, Hostility, Calculating Nature, Pugnacity, Chapter 2, Page 25)
Curley’s immediate physical reaction upon seeing George and Lennie signals his inherent need to establish dominance through intimidation.
“You the new guys the old man was waitin’ for?”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Challenge, Establishing Authority, Chapter 2, Page 25)
“Let the big guy talk.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, referring to Lennie, Theme: Provocation, Targeting Size, Control, Chapter 2, Page 25)
Curley immediately singles out Lennie due to his size, attempting to provoke him and assert control over the conversation.
“By Christ,’ he’s gotta talk when he’s spoke to. What the hell are you gettin’ into it for?”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, to George, Theme: Aggression, Asserting Dominance, Challenging George’s Role, Chapter 2, Page 25)
“Well, nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke to.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, to Lennie, Theme: Threat, Establishing Hierarchy, Control, Chapter 2, Page 26)
The other ranch hands quickly recognize Curley’s aggressive nature, attributing it to his insecurity about his size and his possessiveness regarding his new wife.
Insecurity and Jealousy Fueling Aggression
Observations from other characters reveal the likely roots of Curley’s hostility: deep-seated insecurity and jealousy, particularly concerning his wife.
“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.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Candy about Curley, Theme: Insecurity, Aggression Source, Resentment, Chapter 2, Page 26)
Explore Candy’s astute observations about Curley’s behavior and the dynamics of the ranch.
“Seems like Curley ain’t givin’ nobody a chance.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Candy about Curley, Theme: Unfairness, Bullying Nature, Chapter 2, Pages 27)
“Seems like CurIey is cockier’n ever since he got married.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Candy about Curley, Theme: Insecurity, Possessiveness, Changed Behavior, Chapter 2, Page 27)
“Well, that glove’s fulla vaseline.” … “Well, I tell ya what – Curley says he’s keepin’ that hand soft for his wife.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Candy about Curley, Theme: Possessiveness, Objectification, Marital Dynamics, Ranch Gossip, Chapter 2, Page 27)
This detail, shared as gossip, suggests Curley’s insecurity extends to his marriage. Curly views his wife as a possession and advertises his control.
“Maybe that’s why Curley’s pants is full of ants.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: George Milton about Curley, Theme: Jealousy, Suspicion, Restlessness, Chapter 2, Page 28)
“Seen my old man?”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Seeking Authority Figure, Dependence?, Chapter 2, Page 25)
Protected by his father’s position, Curley acts with impunity, escalating conflicts without fear of reprisal from the workers.
The Boss’s Son: Privilege and Confrontation
Curley leverages his status as the boss’s son, enabling his aggressive behavior and making confrontation risky for the other men.
“Don’t tell Curley I said none of this. He’d slough me. He just don’t give a damn. Won’t ever get canned ’cause his old man’s the boss.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Candy about Curley, Theme: Fear, Privilege, Lack of Accountability, Chapter 2, Page 27)
“If he tangles with you, Lennie, we’re gonna get the can. Don’t make no mistake about that. He’s the boss’s son.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: George Milton about Curley, Theme: Consequences, Privilege, Danger, Chapter 2, Page 29)
Understand George’s careful approach to handling Curley’s threat to protect Lennie and their job.
“Any you guys seen my wife?” he demanded.
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Possessiveness, Suspicion, Searching, Chapter 3, Page 53)
“Where the hell’s Slim?”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Jealousy, Suspicion, Confrontational, Chapter 3, Page 54)
“You keep outta this les’ you want step outside.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley to Carlson, Theme: Aggression, Defensiveness, Establishing Dominance, Chapter 3, Page 62)
Curley’s aggression inevitably leads to a physical confrontation, public humiliation, and sets the stage for his vengeful pursuit of Lennie.
Humiliation and the Aftermath
Picking a fight with Lennie backfires spectacularly, leaving Curley physically injured and deeply humiliated, fueling his desire for revenge later.
“Come on, ya big bastard. Get up on your feet. No big son-of-a-bitch is gonna laugh at me. I’ll show ya who’s yella.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley to Lennie, Theme: Aggression, Insecurity, Provocation, Toxic Masculinity, Chapter 3, Page 62)
Curley initiates the physical conflict, targeting Lennie precisely because his quiet smile touches Curley’s deep-seated insecurity.
“Curley was white and shrunken; by now, and his struggling had become weak. He stood crying, his fist lost in Lennie’s paw.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: The narrator about Curley, Theme: Defeat, Humiliation, Pain, Loss of Control, Chapter 3, Page 63)
“I won’t tell,” said Curley. He avoided looking at Lennie.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Humiliation, Agreement under Duress, Avoiding Eye Contact, Chapter 3, Page 65)
Forced by Slim to accept the cover story, Curley’s brief agreement and avoidance of Lennie’s gaze reveal his shame and powerlessness in that moment.
“Curley came suddenly to life. ‘I know who done it,’ he cried. ‘That big son-of-a-bitch done it… I’m gonna get him. I’m going for my shotgun. I’ll kill the big son-of-a-bitch myself. I’ll shoot ‘im in the guts. Come on, you guys.'”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, discovering his wife, Theme: Vengeance, Rage, Violence, Blame, Chapter 5, Page 96)
Upon finding his wife, Curley’s grief immediately turns to vengeful rage directed at Lennie, fueled by his previous humiliation and inherent aggression.
“Couldn’ we maybe bring him in an’ they’ll lock him up? He’s nuts, Slim. He never done this to be mean.” Slim nodded. “We might,” he said. “If we could keep Curley in, we might, But Curley’s gonna want to shoot ‘im. Curley’s still mad about his hand.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Slim about Curley, Theme: Vengefulness, Unreasonableness, Obstacle to Mercy, Chapter 5, Page 97)
“Don’t shoot ‘im?” Curley cried. “He got Carlson’s Luger. ‘Course we’ll shoot ‘im. ”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Vengeance, Lack of Mercy, Determination, Chapter 5, Page 98)
“I’m goin’,” he said. “I’m gonna shoot the guts outa that big bastard myself, even if I only got one hand. I’m gonna get ‘im.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Vengeance, Rage, Determination, Brutality, Chapter 5, Page 98)
“You George! You stick with us so we don’t think you had nothin’ to do with this.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley to George, Theme: Suspicion, Control, Coercion, Chapter 5, Page 98)
“Got him, by God.” He went over and looked down at Lennie, and then he looked back at George. “Right in the back of the head,” he said softly.”
~ John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Character: Curley, Theme: Confirmation, Observation, Lack of Emotion?, Chapter 6, Page 107)
Curley’s reaction upon finding Lennie dead is one of grim confirmation rather than overt triumph, perhaps revealing a complex mix of relief and the coldness of his nature.
Conclusion: The Insecure Antagonist
Curley represents the corrosive nature of insecurity and the abuse of privilege.
As the boss’s son, he wields unearned authority, channeling his deep-seated resentment of larger men and his possessive jealousy into acts of aggression and intimidation.
His quick temper and need to prove his dominance create an atmosphere of tension and fear, making him a direct antagonist to George and Lennie’s dream. While not entirely one-dimensional, glimpses of his reliance on his father and potential insecurity about his wife emerge.
Curley catalyzes the novella’s central conflict and tragic climax, embodying the petty tyrannies and volatile violence that can thrive in environments built on power imbalances and fear.
A Note on Page Numbers & Edition (Handle With Care!):
We hauled these quotes from the Penguin Books Mass Market Paperback edition (September 1, 1993), ISBN-13: 978-0140177398.
Please be aware that page numbers, like Curley’s glove, might seem standard but differ jarringly between editions! Always double-check against your copy for essays or citations – you want your points clearly defined, not caught in the wrong place.
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.