Curley, the son of the ranch boss in John Steinbeck’s novel “Of Mice and Men,” is a character who stands out for his aggressive behavior and volatile temperament. He is notorious for his confrontational nature and his readiness to pick fights, often without any provocation.
Not only is Curley quick-tempered, but he also possesses a rather sizable ego. He is always eager to demonstrate his strength and prowess, often using his position as the boss’s son to bully the other workers on the ranch. His compensatory behavior, constantly trying to assert his toughness, can be viewed as an attempt to overshadow his smaller stature, which makes him self-conscious among the ranch workers.
Additionally, Curley’s aggressive and volatile nature is evident in his relationship with his wife. He is overly possessive and jealous, and this fuels much of his anger and his readiness to engage in fights.
In sum, Curley is a complex character defined by his aggressiveness, short temper, and inflated ego. He personifies the toxic masculinity prevalent in the harsh environment of the ranch life depicted in the novel. The constant need to prove himself combined with the lack of empathy makes him a character that is generally disliked and avoided by others.
