Curley

Question 1

“High-heeled boots”

Answer 1

1. Curley wears high-heeled boots to signify his power and wealth compared to the likes of other workers on the ranch. He uses the boots to reinforce his position of authority over the ranch workers.
2. Wearing these boots can also be interpreted as Curley compensating for his lack of height. Curley posesses an absence of physical authority, so he wears these boots in an attempt to assert social supremacy, or simply, just stand taller.
3. Curleys boots represent his aritifical power and authourity which has stemed from who his father is rather than his own achievements.

Question 2

“spends all his time sayin’ what he’s gonna do to guys he don’t like”

Answer 2

1. Highlights that even in his family life he remains a pugnacious and brash individual. He believes he is top of the food chain
2. Portrays Curley as someone who likes to talk, but doesn’t back it up.
3. Underlines how Curley relies on intimidation and empty threats to maintain his “tough guy” image that he desperately desires in an attempt to conceal his insecurities and lack of true authority.

Question 3

“Curleys like a lot of small guys. He hates big guys”

Answer 3

1. Highlights Curley’s Napoleon complex
2. Curley’s antagonism toward bigger men stems from his feelings of inferiority.
3. Curley has a fragile masculinity; he hates people who embody what he lacks.
4. Curley symbolises jealousy and toxic masculinity; he shows animosity toward any perceived competition.

Question 4

“Seem like Curley ain’t givin’ nobody a chance”

Answer 4

1. The line mirrors the workers’ disdain for Curley. He is seen as unreasonable and pugnacious, someone who actively establishes a tyrannical atmosphere.
2. As the bosses son, Curley exploits the power bestowed upon him to try and oppress others on the ranch instead of leading effectively.
3. Refusal to give anyone “a chance” can be interpreted as originating from his insecurities. By not allowing others to assert themselves, he unfairly limits and prevents challenges to his authority or masculinity.

Question 5

“We’ll tell ever’body, an’ then will you get the laugh”

Answer 5

1. Highlights how Curley is terrified of public humiliation.
2. Curley is portrayed as a man who has a Napoleon complex; he feels the need to assert his dominance, likely due to his small stature.
3. “get the laugh” reveals that Curley’s power is brittle, sustained more by intimidation than respect.
4. Curley is obsessed with his public image.
5. Curley choosing to cover up the fight and conceding rather than further confrontation emphasizes how much his behavior is driven by toxic masculinity.
6. The fear of being humbled and humiliated forces him to back down, implying that his aggression is ultimately a facade to mask his vulnerability and insecurity.

Question 6

“You tried to throw a scare into slim”

Answer 6

1. Highlights the social hierarchy on the farm - the general consensus on the ranch is that Slim holds more social standing than Curley as respect always prevails over intimidation.
2. “Tried” outlines how Slim is beyond intimidation when it comes to Curley’s lack of real influence, and how Curley misjudges his ability to oppress Slim.
3. Curley is portrated as a ticking bomb that can be sparked at even the most trivial things, and this personality is intensely contrasted against Slim’s calm and assured conduct. Slim reigning victorious after this altercation metaphorically represents how calm and thoughtful individuals will always triumph over those who are brash and combative.