Curley in Of Mice and Men

In depth analysis of Curley?

- Set on proving himself as a bigger person to the ranch men. One reason why he flaunts his sex life 'glove's fulla vaseline', he makes these obscene gestures yet still goes to the brothel on a Saturday night (ironic he goes to a brothel, yet accuses his wife of cheating with Slim) - he even tries to prove himself as masculine at her death when he wants to kill Lennie.
- Huge power on the ranch which is a good example of the social injustice and corruption of the ranch. 'won't ever get canned 'cause his old man's the boss' - shows that money and power are the only ways to establish any power.
- Represents the theme of violence - 'alla time picking up scraps' 'Curley ain't givin' nobody a chance'
-Curley is a major reason for the death of his wife and Lennie, he isolates his wife which drives her to seeking friendship in Lennie, who cannot control his strength.

thank you so much! ]


Thank you so much, have you got anything on Candy? Thanks again

No problem! Here's some things on Candy -
-He presents information about characters, and influences the readers first opinions on the characters. Curley's Wife is described as a 'tart', the Boss is a 'nice fella' yet can get mad and takes his anger out on Crooks. Also he mentions about Curley and the 'glove's fulla vaseline'
- Gives Steinbeck the opportunity to discuss the discrimination against the disabled and the elderly. 'tall, stoop shouldered old man', his weakness is immediately pointed out to the reader. He represents the different side of the itinerant worker, one who is old, and shows they don't belong in the ranch world.
- He makes the dream farm a possibility for George and Lennie. The farm acts as a stable place for Candy because he knows he could get 'canned' soon, or end up with the same fate as his dog. 'I'd make a will an' leave my share to you guys' - shows he has no relatives too.

what exactly does the glove full of Vaseline mean?

Haha it means Curley is keeping his hand soft for his wife to do goodness knows what (probably some sexual act).