Curley Flashcards
Why does Curley develop a superiority complex?
He’s a small man
What is Curley know for being?
Aggressive and constantly looking to assert his masculinity.
Who does he take advantage of?
People whom he thinks are weak
What is Curley used to highlight in the novel?
The chauvinistic and aggressive behaviour of life on ranches at the time.
What does Steinbeck use Curley as a character to do?
Criticise society in 1930s America
What is the purpose over him wearing “high heeled boots”?
To show his status over the other workers
Why does Curley wield power?
Because of his economic position, and that he can ‘can’ ranch hands
What quote is used by the men in order to mock Curley?
“Well, that glove’s fulla Vaseline.”
What insecurities make Curley aggressive?
His authority, his wife, and his masculinity
Why does Curley pick fights?
To prove something to the men, and to prove his masculinity and power.
What quote shows he doesn’t deserve his power in the other men’s eyes?
“You’re yella as a frog belly”.
What is the portrayal of Curley in the novel, and why?
A criticism of the American Dream, because he has inherited his wealth and status and doesn’t need to work particularly hard.
How does Curley try and assert his authority?
Through demonstrating his physical power
How is he described by the other men?
‘Handy’ because he was in the finals of the ‘Golden Gloves’ boxing
Why does Curley prioritise asserting his masculinity?
To conform to 1930s gender expectations of men measured in terms of physical power and strength.
