Curley is the boss’s son, and because his father only appears once, Curley is the main representative in the novella of the land-owning class. Like his father, Curley wears “high-heeled boots” to mark his wealth and status, and most likely to lessen the smallness of his stature.

What is Curley a symbol of?

Curley is symbolic of “small” people who may feel inferior and overcompensate by inflating or flaunting their power and status. Crooks is symbolic of people who are discriminated against because of their race. Candy is symbolic of people who are undervalued and discriminated against because of their age.

What does Curley represent in 1930s America?

Steinbeck uses this portrayal of Curley to criticise the nature of American society and power in the 1930s- those who have power, like Curley, exert their power over others, perhaps who they secretly fear or perceive as weak, to get over their own personal convictions.
Apr 11, 2015

Is Curley mean to his wife?

While he may strut around the ranch because of his position as the boss’ son, he obviously cannot satisfy his wife and is mean to her. Curley beats up any man who dares to talk to her; the only one he listens to and seems to respect is Slim.

What does each character in Of Mice and Men represent?

Each of the characters represents a kind of person in American society and often one that is a victim of discrimination. For example, Crooks represents a segment of American society that is discriminated against because of race; Curley’s wife, because of gender; Candy, because of old age and physical handicap.

Why does Curley wear one glove?

Curley wears a “glove fulla Vaseline” on one hand because, according to Candy, “he’s keepin’ that hand soft for his wife.” Since farm work is physical and tough on a person’s hands, the Vaseline will prevent at least one of Curley’s hands from becoming chapped and rough—something he clearly believes his wife would find

What does Curley’s wife death symbolize?

Eventually, she brings about the end of the dream of Eden, the little farm where George and Lennie can live off the fat of the land. Her death at Lennie’s hands means the end of George and Lennie’s companionship and their dream. She is portrayed, like the girl in Weed, as a liar and manipulator of men.

Why is Curley’s wife the only female character?

Curley’s Wife is the only female in the novel, and doesn’t even have her own name – instead, she is merely the property of Curley, and this makes reference to the explicit gender inequality seen in the 1930s.

How does Curley represent the American dream?

Curley’s has a dream to be an important and to be a powerful factor on the ranch. Mr. Curley is greedy when it comes to possessing power over those who work on the ranch. An example of his arrogance would be when he tells Lennie, “Well, nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke too.” (Steinbeck 26).

How is Curley’s wife Sexualised?

Wherever Curley went on the ranch she was objectified for her “purty” looks and desperation for attention. Although in this sense she was more a prepotrater rather than a victim. Curley’s wife used her beauty to seek attention from the guys on the ranch, whether positive or negative.

How does Curley represent the American dream?

Curley’s has a dream to be an important and to be a powerful factor on the ranch. Mr. Curley is greedy when it comes to possessing power over those who work on the ranch. An example of his arrogance would be when he tells Lennie, “Well, nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke too.” (Steinbeck 26).

What archetype is Curley?

One character in particular that fills the archetype of the villain is Curley. Curley has an aura of evil that resonates from his attitude and his actions, which triggers people to act defensively around him for self-preservation.

What does crooks symbolize?

In the novel “Of Mice and Men” John Steinbeck, the author, uses the character of Crooks to represent racism and symbolize the marginalization of the black community occurring at the time in which the novel is set.