Curley in Of Mice and Men helps you understand the Great Depression from the owner’s perspective.
Curley is one of the more interesting characters in Of Mice and Men.
He’s cocky, aggressive, and always looking for a fight. But he’s also vulnerable, especially when it comes to his wife.
Of Mice and Men Quotes With Page Numbers
Curley Character Description
Curley is the boss’s son and is described as a thin young man with a brown face and tightly curled hair. The text captures this description: “A young man came into the bunk house; a thin young man with a brown face, with brown eyes and a head of tightly curled hair.”
Typically seen in high-heeled boots, a notable feature on Curley is his left hand, always adorned with a glove filled with Vaseline.
This symbolizes his intentions to keep his hand soft for his wife, touching on his marital status and the protective tendency over his wife, heightening his cockiness.
Curley’s marriage amplifies his cockiness, possibly due to a sense of personal achievement or the power dynamics within his relationship. As expressed by Candy, “Seems like Curley is cockier’n ever since he got married.”
Curley’s personality is brought to the forefront with his interaction with George and Lennie. He’s described as “at once calculating and pugnacious.”
His disposition towards George and Lennie is initially wary and suspicious, and his consistent tension with the new guys highlights his antagonistic character.
He is predominantly aggressive towards Lennie, revealing his disdain for larger men. According to Candy, this hatred stems from his lack of size and physical dominance: “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.”
This inherent need to challenge bigger men is seen as a point of bias. As Candy mentions, “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…”
It illustrates a twisted sense of winning for Curley because, either way, Curley always seems to come out on top.
Curley is called “handy” and has had some experience in the ring, captured by Candy’s words, “Curley’s pretty handy. He done quite a bit in the ring. He’s a lightweight, and he’s handy.”
Being the boss’s son carries its privileges and weights, too. He can act however he chooses without consequences: “He won’t ever get canned ’cause his old man’s the boss.”
Curley capitalizes on this advantage, aggravating characters like George, who declares, “I hate that kinda bastard, Curley don’t take no chances. He always wins.”
However, Curley’s aggressive nature takes a hit when Lennie retaliates. Steinbeck describes Curley’s defeat: “Curley was white and shrunken; by now, and his struggling had become weak.”
Thus, Curley’s character in “Of Mice and Men” is a constant source of conflict and tension, adding to the narrative’s complexity.
His domineering nature, aggression, and secure position as the boss’s son give him indisputable authority. But also creates a sense of bitterness and dislike among the other characters.
His bravado yet backfiring attempts to be perceived as ‘big’ reflect his deep-seated insecurities. Thus, while Curley is not a likable character in the traditional sense, he plays a crucial role in driving the narrative and illustrating the theme of power dynamics.
Overall, Steinbeck presents an image of a deeply flawed man, coping with the world in his own, often misguided, ways.
Curley Of Mice and Men Quotes
“…A young man came into the bunk house; a thin young man with a brown face, with brown eyes and a head of tightly curled hair. He wore a work glove on his left hand, and, like the boss, he wore high-heeled boots, “Seen my old man?” he asked.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 25
“I’ll try to catch him,” said Curley. His eyes passed over the new men and he stopped. He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie. His arms gradually bene 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. Lennie squirmed under the look and shifted his feet nervously. Curley stepped gingerly close to him. “You the new guys the old man was waitin’ for?”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator and Curley, Chapter 2, Page 25
“We travel together,” said George coldly.
“Oh, so it’s that way.”
George was tense, and motionless. “Yeah, it’s that way.”
Lennie was looking helplessly to George for instruction.
“An’ yon won’t let the big guy talk, is that it?”
“He can talk if he wants to tell you anything.” He nodded slightly to Lennie.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Curley, Chapter 2, Page 25
“We just come in,” said George.
“Let the big gay talk.”
Lennie twisted with embarrassment.
George said, “S’pose he don’t want to talk?”
Curley lashed his body around. “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, George Milton and Curley, Chapter 2, Page 25
“Curley stared levelly at him. “Well, nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke to.” He turned toward the door and walked out, and his elbows were bent out a little.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley, Chapter 2, Page 26
“Say, what the hell’s he got on his shoulder? Lennie didn’t do nothing to him.”
The old man looked cautiously at the door to make sure no one was listening. “That’s the boss’s son,” he said quietly. “Curley’s pretty handy. He done quite a bit in the ring. He’s a lightweight, and he’s handy.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George and Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 26
“Well, let him be handy,” said George, “He don’t have to take after Lennie. Lennie didn’t do nothing to him. What’s he got against Lennie?”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 26
“The swamper considered….. “Well…. tell you what. 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. You seen little guys like that, ain’t you? Always scrappy?”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Candy, Chapter 2, Page 26
“Sure,” said George. “I seen plenty tough little guys. But this Curley better not make no mistakes about Lennie. Lennie ain’t handy, but this Curley punk is gonna get’ hurt if he messes around with Lennie.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton, Chapter 2, Page 26
“Well, Curley’s pretty handy,” the swamper said skeptically.
“Never did seem right to me. 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, and maybe they gang up on the big guy. Never did seem right to me. Seems like Curley ain’t givin’ nobody a chance.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Pages 26, 27
“The old man sat down on another box. “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, Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 27
“This guy Curley sounds like a son-of-a-bitch to me. I don’t like mean little guys.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 27
“Seems to me like he’s worse lately,” said the swamper. “He got married a couple of weeks ago. Wife lives over in the boss’s house. Seems like CurIey is cockier’n ever since he got married.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 27
“You seen that glove on his left hand?”
“Yeah. I seen it.”
“Well, that glove’s fulla vaseline.”
“Vaseline? What the hell for?”
“Well, I tell ya what – Curley says he’s keepin’ that hand soft for his wife.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 27
“Well – she got the eye.”
“Yeah? Married two weeks and got the eye? Maybe that’s why Curley’s pants is full of ants.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 28
“You won’t tell Curley nothing I said?”
“Hell no.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Candy about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 28
“Look, Lennie! This here ain’t no set up. I’m scared. You gonna have trouble with that Curley guy. I seen that kind before. He was kinda feelin’ you out. He figures he’s got you scared and he’s gonna take a sock at you the first chance he gets.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 29
“I hate that kinda bastard,” he said. “I seen plenty of ’em. Like the old guy says, Curley don’t take no chances. He always wins.” He thought for a moment. “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. Look, Lennie. You try to keep away from him, will you?”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 29
Don’t never speak to him. If he comes in here you move clear to the other side of the room. Will you do that, Lennie?”
“I don’t want no trouble,” Lennie mourned. “I never done nothing to him.”
“Well, that won’t do you no good if Curley wants to plug himself up for a fighter. Just don’t have nothing to do with him. Will you remember?”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Lennie Small about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 29
“Well, you keep away from her, ’cause she’s a rattrap if I ever seen one. You let Curley take the rap. He let himself in for it. Glove fulla vaseline,” George said disgustedly. “An’ I bet he’s eatin’ raw eggs and writin’ to the patent medicine houses.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Lennie Small about Curley, Chapter 2, Page 32
“Lennie rolled off the bunk and stood up, and the two of them started for the door. Just as they reached it, Curley bounced in.
“You seen a girl around here?” he demanded angrily.
George said coldly, “‘Bout half an hour ago maybe.”
“Well, what the hell was she doin’?”
George stood still, watching the angry little man. He said insultingly, “She said–she was lookin’ for you.”
Curley seemed really to see George for the first time. His eyes flashed over George, took in his height, measured his reach, looked at his trim middle. “Well, which way’d she go?” he demanded at last.
“I dunno,” said George. “I didn’t watch her go.”
Curley scowled at him, and turning, hurried out the door.
George said, “Ya know, Lennie, I’m scared I’m gonna tangle with that bastard myself. I hate his guts. ! Come on. There won’t be a damn thing left to eat.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curly and George about Curley, Chapter 2, Pages 36-37
“Curley scowled at him, and turning, hurried out the door.
George said, “Ya know, Lennie, I’m scared I’m gonna tangle with that bastard myself. I hate his guts.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The narrator about Curly and George, Chapter 2, Page 37
“Curley’s got yella-jackets in his drawers, but that’s all so far. Ever’ time the guys is around she shows up. She’s lookin’ for Curley, or she thought she lef’ sotnethin’ layin’ around and she’s lookin’ for it. Seems like she can’t keep away from guys. An’ Curley’s pants is just crawlin’ with ants, but they ain’t nothing come of it yet.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Whit about Curly and George, Chapter 3, Page 52
“That Curley got his work cut out for him. Ranch with a bunch of guys on it ain’t no place for a girl, specially like her.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George Milton about Curly, Chapter 3, Page 52
“Carlson said casually, “Curley been in yet?”
“No,” said Whit. “What’s eatin’ on Curley?”
Carlson squinted down the barrel of his gun. “Lookin’ for his old lady. I seen him going round and round outside.”
Whit said sarcastically, “He spends half his time lookin’ for her, and the rest of the time she’s lookin’ for him.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Carlson and Whit about Curly, Chapter 3, Page 53
“Curley burst into the room excitedly. “Any you guys seen my wife?” he demanded.
“She ain’t been here,” said Whit.
Curley looked threateningly about the room. “Where the hell’s Slim?”
“Went out in the barn,” said George. “He was gonna put some tar on a split hoof.”
Curley’s shoulders dropped and squared. “How long ago’d he go?”
“Five-ten minutes.”
Curley jumped out the door and banged it after him.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Carlson and Whit about Curly, Chapter 3, Pages 53, 54
“Whit stood up. “I guess maybe I’d like to see this,” he said. “Curley’s just spoilin’ or he wouldn’t start for Slim. An’ Curley’s handy… Got in the finals for the Golden Gloves. He got newspaper clippings about it.” He considered. “But jus’ the same, he better leave Slim alone. Nobody don’t know what Slim can do.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Whit about Curly, Chapter 3, Page 54
“I’m jus’ tryin’ to tell you I didn’t mean nothing,” said Curley. “I jus’ thought you might of saw her.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curly, Chapter 3, Page 62
“Curley whirled on Carlson. “You keep outta this les’ you want step outside.”
Carlson laughed. “You …punk,” he said. “You tried to throw a scare into Slim, an’ you couldn’t make it stick. Slim throwed a scare inta you. You’re yella as a frog belly. I don’t care if you’re the best welter in the country. You come for me, an’ I’ll kick your…head off.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curly and Carlson, Chapter 3, Page 62
“Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier. “What the hell you laughin’ at?”
Lennie looked blankly at him. “Huh?”Then Curley’s rage exploded. “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, Curly and Lennie, Chapter 3, Page 62
“Lennie looked helplessly at George, and then he got up and tried to retreat. Curley was balanced and poised. He slashed at Lennie with his left, and then smashed down his nose with a right. Lennie gave a cry of terror. Blood welled from his nose. “George,” he cried. “Make ‘um let me alone, George.” He backed until he was against the wall, and Curley followed, slugging him in the face. Lennie’s hands remained at his sides; he was too frightened to defend himself. George was on his feet yelling, “Get him, Lennie. Don’t let him do it.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie and George about Curley, Chapter 3, Pages 62, 63
“Lennie covered his face with his huge paws and bleated with terror. He cried, “Make ‘um stop, George.” Then Curley attacked his stomach and cut off his wind.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie about Curley, Chapter 3, Page 63
“Lennie took his hands away from his face and looked about for George, and Curley slashed at his eyes. The big face was covered with blood. George yelled again, “I said get him.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator and George about Lennie and Curley, Chapter 3, Page 63
“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. George ran down the room. “Leggo of him, Lennie. Let go.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator and George about Lennie and Curley, Chapter 3, Page 63
“But Lennie watched in terror the flopping little man whom he held. Blood ran down Lennie’s face; one of his eyes was cut and closed. George slapped him in the face again and again, and still Lennie held on to the closed fist. Curley was white and shrunken; by now, and his struggling had become weak. He stood crying, his fist lost in Lennie’s paw.
George shouted over and over, “Leggo his hand, Lennie. Leggo. Slim, come help me while the guy got any hand left.”
Suddenly Lennie let go his hold. He crouch cowering against the wall. “You tol’ me to, George,” he said miserably.
Curley sat down on the floor, looking in wonder at his crushed hand. Slim and Carlson bent over him. Then Slim straightened up and regarded Lennie with horror. “We got to get him in to a doctor,” he said. “Looks to me like ever’ bone in his han’ is bust.”
“I didn’t wanta,” Lennie cried. “I didn’t wanta hurt him.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Lennie, George, and Slim about Curley, Chapter 3, Pages 63, 64
“Slim said, “Carlson, you get the candy wagon hitched up. We’ll take ‘um into Soledad an’ get ‘um fixed up.” Carlson hurried out. Slim turned to the whimpering Lennie. “It ain’t your fault,” he sai “This punk sure had it comin’ to him. But-Jesus! He ain’t hardly got no han’ left.” Slim hurried out, and in a moment returned with a tin cup of water. He held it to Curley’s lips.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Slim about Curley, Chapter 3, Page 64
“Slim smiled wryly. He knelt down beside Curley. “You got your senses in hand enough to listen?” he asked. Curley nodded. “Well, then listen,” Slim went on. “I think you got your han’ caught in a machine. If you don’t tell nobody what happened, we ain’t going to. But you jus’ tell an’ try to get this guy canned and we’ll tell ever’body, an’ then will you get’ the laugh.”
“I won’t tell,” said Curley. He avoided looking at Lennie.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Slim and Curley, Chapter 3, Pages 64, 65
“Think I’m gonna stay in that twoby-four house and listen how Curley’s gonna lead with his left twict, and then bring in the of right cross? `One-two’ he says. `Jus’ the of one-two an’ he’ll go down.”‘ She paused and her face lost its sullenness and grew interested. “Say-what happened to Curley’s ban’?”
There was an embarrassed silence. Candy stole a look at Lennie.
Then he coughed. “Why . . . . Curley . . . . he got his han’ caught in a machine, ma’am. Butt his ban’.”
She watched for a moment, and then she laughed. “Baloney!
What you think you’re sellin’ me? Curley started som’pin’ he didn’ finish. Caught in a machine -baloney! Why, he ain’t give nobody the good of onetwo since he got his ban’ bust. Who bust him?”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley’s Wife, Candy, and Lennie about Curley, Chapter 4, Page 78
“She turned to Lennie. “I’m glad you bust up Curley a little bit. He got it comin’ to him. Sometimes I’d like to bust him myself.” She slipped out the door and disappeared into the dark barn. And while she went through the barn, the halter chains rattled, and some horses snorted and some stamped their feet.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley’s Wife to Lennie about Curley, Chapter 4, Pages 81, 82
“I get lonely,” she said. “You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad. How’d you like not to talk to anybody?”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley’s Wife to Lennie about Curley, Chapter 5, Page 87
“She went on with her story quickly, before she should be interrupted. “‘Nother time I met a guy, an’ he was in pitchers.Went out to the Riverside Dance Palace with him. He says he was gonna put me in the movies. Says I was a natural. Soon’s he got back to Hollywood he was gonna write to me about it.” She looked closely at Lennie to see whether she was impressing him. “I never got that letter,” she said. “I always thought my of lady stole it. Well, I wasn’t gonna stay no place where I couldn’t get nowhere or make something of myself, an’ where they stole your letters. I ast her if she stole it, too, an’ she says no. So I married Curley. Met him out to the Riverside Dance Palace that same night.” She demanded,”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley’s Wife to Lennie about Curley, Chapter 5, Page 88
“Well, I ain’t told this to nobody before. Maybe I ought’n to. I don’like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella.” And because she had confided in him, she moved closer to Lennie and sat beside him. “Coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes-all them nice clothes like they wear. An’ I coulda sat in them big hotels, an’ had pitchers took of me. When they had them previews I coulda went to them, an’ spoke in the radio, an’ it wouldn’ta cost me a cent because I was in the pitcher. An’ all them nice clothes like they wear. Because this guy says I was a natural.” She looked up at Lennie, and she made a small grand gesture with her arm and hand to show that she could act. The fingers trailed after her leading wrist, and her little finger stuck out grandly from the rest.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley’s Wife to Lennie about Curley, Chapter 5, Page 89
“Take Curley. His hair is jus’ like wire. But mine is soft and fine.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley’s Wife to Lennie about Curley, Chapter 5, Page 90
“But Candy said excitedly, “We oughtta let’im get away. You don’t know that Curley. Curley gon’ta wanta get ‘im lynched. Curley’ll get ‘im killed.”
George watched Candy’s lips. “Yeah,” he said at last, “that’s right, Curley will. An’ the other guys will.” And he looked back at Curley’s wife.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Candy and George about Curley, Chapter 5, Page 94
“Curley came suddenly to life. “I know who done it,” he cried. “That big son-of-a-bitch done it. I know he done it. Why-ever’body else was out there playin’ horseshoes.” He worked himself into a fury. “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.” He ran furiously out of the barn. Carlson said, “I’ll get my Luger,” and he ran out too.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley and Carlson about Lennie, Chapter 5, Page 96
“George stepped close. “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. An’ s’pose they lock him up an’ strap him down and put him in a cage. That ain’t no good, George.”
“I know,” said George. “I know.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, George and Slim about Lennie and Curley, Chapter 5, Page 97
“Carlson came running in, “The bastard’s stole my Luger,” he shouted. “It ain’t in my bag.” Curley followed him, and Curley carried a shotgun in his good hand. Curley was cold now.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The Narrator and Carlson about Lennie and Curley, Chapter 5, Page 97
“All right, you guys,” he said. “The n****’s got a shotgun. You take it, Carlson. When you see ‘urn, don’t give ‘im no chance. Shoot for his guts. That’ll double ‘im over.”
Whit said excitedly, “I ain’t got a gun.”
Curley said, “You go in Soledad an’ get a cop. Get AI Wilts, he’s deputy sheriff. Le’s go now.” He turned suspiciously on George.
“You’re comin’ with us, fella.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley and Whit about Crooks, Chapter 5, Pages 97, 98
“Yeah,” said George. “I’ll come. But listen, Curley. The poor bastard’s nuts. Don’t shoot ‘im. He di’n’t know what he was doin’.”
“Don’t shoot ‘im?” Curley cried. “He got Carlson’s Luger. ‘Course we’ll shoot ‘im. ”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley and George about Lennie, Chapter 5, Page 98
“Slim stood looking down at Curley’s wife. He said, “Curley-maybe you better stay here with your wife.”
Curley’s face reddened. “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, Slim and Curley, Chapter 5, Page 98
“They moved away. George stopped a moment beside Candy and they both looked down at the dead girl until Curley called, “You George! You stick with us so we don’t think you had nothin’ to do with this.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, The narrator and Curley to George, Chapter 5, Page 98
“The group burst into the clearing, and Curley was ahead. He saw Lennie lying on the sand. “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, Curley to George about Lennie, Chapter 6, Page 107
“But George sat stiffly on the bank and looked at his right hand that had thrown the gun away.
The group burst into the clearing, and Curley was ahead. He saw Lennie lying on the sand. “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.
Slim came directly to George and sat down beside him, sat very close to him. “Never you mind,” said Slim. “A guy got to sometimes.”
But Carlson was standing over George.
“How’d you do it?” he asked.
“I just done it,” George said tiredly.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Slim, Carlson, Curley, and George, Chapter 6, Page 107
What is a key quote from Curley Of Mice and Men?
“Curley burst into the room excitedly. “Any you guys seen my wife?” he demanded.
“She ain’t been here,” said Whit.
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Carlson and Whit about Curly, Chapter 3, Pages 53, 54
What is the quote of Curley being insecure?
“Curley’s got yella-jackets in his drawers, but that’s all so far. Ever’ time the guys is around she shows up. She’s lookin’ for Curley, or she thought she lef’ sotnethin’ layin’ around and she’s lookin’ for it. Seems like she can’t keep away from guys. An’ Curley’s pants is just crawlin’ with ants, but they ain’t nothing come of it yet.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Whit about Curly and George, Chapter 3, Page 52
What does Curly say to Lennie?
“Curley stared levelly at him. “Well, nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke to.” He turned toward the door and walked out, and his elbows were bent out a little.”
~John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Curley, Chapter 2, Page 26
Why does Curley hit Lennie?
In John Steinbeck’s book “Of Mice and Men,” Curley, the ranch owner’s son, hits Lennie primarily because of jealousy and insecurity. He perceives the mentally impaired Lennie’s friendship with others on the ranch as a threat, specifically believing it could lead to encounters with his flirtatious wife.
Curley’s volatile nature and tendency to assert dominance over the ranch hands further instigate the violent confrontation with Lennie.
What did Curley say about killing Lennie?
“The group burst into the clearing, and Curley was ahead. He saw Lennie lying on the sand. “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, Curley, Chapter 6, Page 107
How is Curley selfish?
Curley is selfish in how he treats his wife and the other ranch workers. His interaction with his wife is more centered around his ego and reputation than a genuine show of affection or consideration. He often leaves her alone while he seeks entertainment elsewhere.
His frequent confrontations with the ranch workers and constant craving for dominance, regard, and attention further highlight his self-centered nature.
How did Curley treat his wife?
Curley’s treatment of his wife is marked by control and isolation. He closely monitors her interactions with others, to the point where she laments, ‘I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad.’
This suggests that Curley’s insecurities and jealousy curtail his wife’s freedom of communication, heightening her sense of loneliness and isolation.