Curley vs Slim (OMAM) Flashcards
How does Steinbeck present Curley and Slim?
As foils of each other, utilising their starkly contrasting emotions and actions to critique the capitalist system of inherited wealth and status.
Why does Steinbeck showcase Curley in a completely negative manner?
The critique of Curley’s insecure and aggressive nature, fuelled by his toxic masculinity, serves as a reminder of the danger that is posed when someone’s power is constructed through fear and intimidation, and how this kind of leadership ultimately isolates those involved, rather than uniting them.
How does Steinbeck present Slim positively?
Slim epitomises justice and equality, which, along with his unique sense of empathy, provide him with the qualities necessary to be a natural leader, who can connect with the struggles of those around him.
How do Slim and Curley treat the other workers on the ranch, and what message does this reveal?
Unlike Curley, who singles out and oppresses the weakest on the ranch (acting like wider society does; the ranch is a microcosm), Slim acts as the moral compass of the novel, who is respected for his wisdom and fair judgment, promoting the socialist message that collaborative effort is more powerful and advantageous than that of individuals.
Unsurprisingly, what is Curley’s hair described as?
“tightly curled”
What might Curley’s hair insinuate?
“tightly curled” could imply that Curley has a volatile and feisty personality, ready to flare at any time
What does Curley wear on his feet?
“like the boss, he wore high-heeled boots”
According to Candy, what is Curley like?
“like a lot of little guys”
Why is Curley “like a lot of little guys” and what does this highlight?
Curley harbours a deep rooted insecurity regarding his small stature, and tries to compensate for his vulnerability by attacking the weaknesses of others, such as Lennie with his learning disability
Curley’s demeanour also evokes a theme of toxic masculinity and false power, as he feels as though he has to constantly prove himself to the other men on the ranch through intimidation and violence.
Contextually, what has caused Curley to develop this aggressive demeanour?
Curley’s violent, intimidating behaviour is a direct reflection of the Darwinian society that he is a part of, where hostility is inherent, and weaknesses are persecuted.
1930s American society has exacerbated Curley’s belief that the only way to defend himself is to belittle others, masking his own insecurities.
What do the other men on the ranch insult Curley about?
His “glove fulla vaseline”
What does Curley’s “glove fulla vaseline” suggest?
Like many other men at this time, Curley is misogynistic, and treats his wife as a sexual object
This also reduces their relationship to something purely physical, devoid of any emotional attachment, which is displayed by Curley’s wife’s apparent isolation and hatred towards her marriage
Conversely, what does Slim not need?
He “don’t need to wear no high-heeled boots”
What does Slim wear?
Like the others, “he wore blue jeans and short denim jacket”
Why does Slim not wear high-heeled boots, and the same uniform as the workers?
Slim doesn’t need to assert his authority through any artificial means; he earns his respect through his natural wisdom and competence, reinforcing his role as an idealistic socialist role model, who is a leader, but collaborates effectively with his fellow workers to achieve a common goal
Unlike Curley, Slim does not separate himself from the other workers, both physically and through his behaviour, establishing himself as a trusted individual, who can relate and share the same experiences with his colleagues, rather than dominating them.
What status does Slim have on the ranch?
He is “the prince of the ranch”
What does Slim being “prince of the ranch” suggest?
Slim has garnered this status through his natural authority and the admiration that the other workers have for his skill. “Prince” implies nobility, which suggests the influence and power that Slim possesses, but instead of being a tyrannical king, he is described as a prince, insinuating he is a grounded leader who treats his subjects deservedly.
What spiritual imagery is used to describe Slim?
“Godlike eyes”
What is the significance of the spiritual imagery used to describe Slim?
Godlike eyes - Slim is an almost divine presence, as he sees and understands more than the others (“his ear heard more than what was said to him”); he is a virtuous character that contrast with the cruelty and corruption of characters like Curley
Much like a God, Slim appears to be omnibenevolent, acting as the moral compass of the novel by showcasing empathy and respect to all of the characters on the ranch (going into Crooks’ room despite racial segregation, empathy towards the death of Curley’s wife, does not judge Lennie or George etc.)
Slim serves as a ‘father confessor’ figure, whom the other workers can confide in
“Slim’s opinions…
…were law”
Is it true that “Slim’s opinions were law”?
Yes, since all of the men on the ranch revere Slim’s natural leadership and knowledge, they do not go against his judgement, and turn to him for answers in challenging situations. For example, Candy turns to Slim during Carlson’s threats to kill his sheepdog, Slim takes control of the situation after the fight between Curley and Lennie, and after George kills Lennie, Slim is the only one to console him.
What happens when Slim begins to talk?
“All talk stopped when he spoke”
What is significant about the other men stopping their conversation when Slim speaks?
“All talk stopped when he spoke” - Slim has
