The character of Curley in “Of Mice and Men”

By Rachel, Rachael, Lauren & Emily

Behaviour

Curley behaves in an aggressive way, like he’s always looking for a fight as his way of getting attention. He starts fights over anything, usually with bigger people.

“well, nex’ time you answer when

you’re spoke to”

This shows he sees everyone as lower than him and expects responses and respect when spoken to.

Chapter 2

Appearance

“a thin young man with a brown face, with brown eyes and a head of tightly curled hair”

“he wore a w

ork glove on his left

hand, and, like the boss, he wore

high heeled boots.”

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Key things Curley says

“ill kill that big son-of-a-bitch myself”

“I'm gonna shoot the guts outta that

big bastard myself”

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Key things other people say about Curley

“well curleys pretty handy…never did seem right to me”

“Well, I tell you what – curley says he’s keeping that hand soft for his wife”

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Curleys purpose in the book

Curley represents the way that people in a way forced to respect him because of his dads authority, they don’t want to respect him but they haven't a choice.

Where as someone like Slim, who has a lot of respect from the people, has gained respect due to being a more sympathetic and being easier to get on with.

How Steinbeck portrays Curley

Steinbeck portrays him as quite violent and dangerous, also

quite stuck up and is aware of his authority.

Steinbeck also makes him out to be quite wimpy when threatened, and tries to use violence as his way of getting what he wants.

Significance of Curleys name

Curley’s name has significance to his character and appearance as the curls in his hair represent how he’s tightly wound up and has temper issues, but isn't weak.

“Curley lashed his body around”

Chapter 2

This shows he’s quite violent, arrogant and has no respect for people who he expects respect from.

Their dreams

• not having to worry about his height and size compared to the other workers.

• Gain respect from the workers, and not feel powerless amongst them

• have respect and faith from his wife and not have her needing to flirt around with the other workers.

Key events they’re involved in•Lennie and George meet Curley

“His eyes passed over the new men and he stopped. He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie.” Chapter 2

•Curley squares up to Lennie

“Come on, ya big bastard. Get up on your feet.” Chapter 3

•Curley asks Slim if he has seen his wife

“Well, I didn’t mean nothing Slim. I just ast you.” Chapter 4

•Curley gets his hand crushed by Lennie

“Curley’s fist was swinging when Lennie reached for it.” Chapter 4

•Curley goes after lennie (in hope of killing him)

“Ill kill the big son-of-a-bitch myself.” Chapter 6