Curley

Question 1

Curley ‘won’t ever get canned’
(Power And Hostility)

Answer 1

Show how capitalists abused their power and violence as they thought they were superior to everybody else.

Question 2

‘Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier’
(Power And Hostility)

Answer 2

This simile shows how Curley is small and aggressive to try and assert his power however naturally he is just a fool.

Question 3

‘He glanced coldly at George’
(Power And Hostility)

Answer 3

This adverb shows how he is always violent and trying to assert power.

Question 4

‘tightly curled hair’
(Power And Hostility)

Answer 4

Imagery creates a vivid picture of how Curley is hostile and aggressive towards the ranch workers.

Question 5

Candy says his glove is’ ‘full vaseline’
(Controlling And Possessive)

Answer 5

This shows how he views his wife as a sexual object and not a human, which is dehumanising and shows misogyny in society.

Question 6

When he sees his wife dead ‘he comes to life’
(Controlling And Possessive)

Answer 6

This shows how he only wants to get revenge and not grieve his wife’s death which shows the patriarchal society.

Question 7

‘You seen a girl around here?’
(Controlling And Possessive)

Answer 7

This definitive noun shows how he has no respect to call her by her name.

Question 8

‘He’s looking for a fight’
(Catalyst for Conflict)

Answer 8

This line directly characterises Curley as someone who actively seeks out conflict. His constant need to prove his strength creates a tense atmosphere on the ranch, where violence seems inevitable.

Question 9

‘Curley’s fist was swinging’
(Catalyst for Conflict)

Answer 9

The verb “swinging” suggests relentless aggression, showing that Curley’s violence is not just a reaction but a planned action. It highlights how his impulsive actions disrupt the peace and relationships of the ranch.
Steinbeck uses Curley’s physicality to reflect the frustrations and conflicts of the Great Depression, especially for men whose identities were tied to their ability to dominate others.

Question 10

‘Curley was the first man to get up’ (Fight between him and Lennie)
(Catalyst for Conflict)

Answer 10

In the face of danger, Curley is eager to act, showing his instinct for violence and his need to be dominant. His desire to take control in situations of conflict is a way of proving his worth.