John Steinbeck’s novella “Of Mice and Men” tells the story of two unlikely friends, George and Lennie, who travel around the country in search of work and a better life. One of the characters they meet along their journey is Curly, the son of the ranch owner, who is a complex and intriguing figure. In this article, we will explore the character of Curly and his role in the story of “Of Mice and Men.”

Who is Curly?

Curly is the son of the ranch owner and the only son in the family. He is a small, wiry man with a “mean, thin mouth” and a “small head,” which suggests that he is not particularly intelligent. He is a proud man who is constantly looking for a fight, and he is often portrayed as a bully, especially when he\’s around the ranch hands. He has a wife who he is very possessive of, and he is always looking for an opportunity to show her off.

Curly\’s Role in the Story

Curly is a major character in the story, and his presence serves to create tension between the characters and add to the overall atmosphere of the novella. He acts as a foil to George, who is the more level-headed of the two friends and is always looking out for Lennie. Curly\’s presence also creates an element of danger, as he is always ready to fight and is not afraid to use violence.

Curly\’s Relationship with Lennie

Curly and Lennie have an interesting and complex relationship. Curly initially views Lennie as a threat to his dominance on the ranch, and he is often suspicious of and angry with him. However, as the story progresses, Curly begins to feel sympathy for Lennie and even offers him advice on how to stay out of trouble. This suggests that despite his bully-like behavior, Curly is capable of showing kindness and compassion when he needs to.

Curly\’s Fate

Curly\’s fate is ultimately a tragic one. He is killed by Lennie in a moment of panic, and his death serves as a reminder of the precariousness of life on the ranch. Curly\’s death also serves to demonstrate the power of friendship, as George is willing to take the blame for the death to protect Lennie.

The Significance of Curly

Curly is a key character in the story, as he serves to create tension, add to the overall atmosphere, and provide insight into the characters. He is also a reminder of the harshness of life on the ranch, and his death serves to highlight the power of friendship between George and Lennie. Curly may not be the most sympathetic character, but his presence is essential to the story of “Of Mice and Men.”

Conclusion

Curly is an important character in John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.” He is a complex and intriguing character who serves to create tension, add to the overall atmosphere, and provide insight into the characters. His fate is a tragic one, and his death serves to highlight the power of friendship between George and Lennie. Curly may not be the most sympathetic character, but his presence is essential to the story of “Of Mice and Men.”