Power and Class

Question 1

Physical Power

Answer 1

LENNIE:
“Big”, “Coulda bust every bone in my body”
very strong, lack of self-awareness regarding strength

CURLEY:
“Did some time in the ring”
lightweight boxer
Picks a fight with Lennie and “Bruise[s] up” his face before Lennie breaks his hand and he “Flop[s] like a fish on a line
“pugnacious”
shows he’s quick to fight others because there are no repercussions

Question 2

Intellectual Power

Answer 2

CROOKS:
because he’s forced into solitude he has an intensive book collection (some form of education) and manages to manipulate Lennie into thinking George will leave him

GEORGE:
keeps/gets Lennie out of trouble
“Lennie, God’s sake don’t drink so much”
aware of his surroundings and shows that he’s always thinking
“we don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin-in our jack”
shows that he’s wise to not blow all his money

SLIM:
“Prince of the ranch”
understands George and uses his power for good
authoritative as he reprimands Curley

Question 3

Economic Power

Answer 3

BOSS:
"high heeled boots"
superior 
"spurs"
doesn't do labour 

CURLEY:
“won’t ever get canned ‘cause his old man’s the boss”
heritage power

CURLEY”S WIFE:
financially stable through marriage
appearance is described as “heavily made up”

CANDY:
saved up a large sum of money

Question 4

Lack of Power

Answer 4

RACE-CROOKS:
-only black man
-represents black men at the time
-racism was embedded in society
-no one wanted to employ a black man
-limited by his race
-not respected or given much power due to white supremacy
WOMEN-CURLEY’S WIFE:
-never given her own name (extension of Curley)
-very little importance on ranch
-women at the time were objectified and weren’t seen as equals
-limited by gender
-heavily disrespected
-considered either housewives or prostitutes
-also considered a liability as they couldn’t contribute financially
-“whatta they think i am anyways”
-“listen nigger”
only person she has power over is Crooks

Question 5

Hierarchy

Answer 5

1) The Boss: owns the ranch, can hire/fire people
2) Curley: boss’s son
3) Slim: skilled worker, well respected
4) Whit, Carlson, George: unskilled labourers
5) Candy, Crooks, Curley’s Wife, Lennie: unskilled and marginalised due to age, race, gender and learning disabilities