Sample question and answer - tips
Firstly, you need to examine the extract / section in detail. With regard to Section 3, you could include some of the following points in your essay.
- Curley is not a danger to Slim because Slim stands up to him. He enters the bunkhouse apologising to Slim, "Well, I didn't mean nothing, Slim. I just ast you."
- He doesn鈥檛 appear to be much of a threat to the ranch workers in Section 3 as Carlson calls him a "God damn punk," and Candy mocks his "Glove fulla vaseline".
- However, Curley chooses the target of his anger with care when he attacks Lennie for supposedly laughing at him. Note Steinbeck鈥檚 use of the simileA comparison using 'like' or 'as' to create a vivid image. For example, as big as a whale, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee., 鈥淐urley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier."
- Curley realises a reluctance in Lennie to fight (Lennie promised George not to get involved with Curley) and takes advantage with his superior boxing skills, 鈥淐urley was balanced and poised."
- He beats Lennie remorselessly, 鈥淗e slashed at Lennie with his left, and then smashed down his nose鈥 鈥 note Steinbeck鈥檚 use of onomatopoeicA word that sounds like what it is describing, eg 'crunch', 'meow', 'plop' and 'scrape'. verbs 鈥渟lashed鈥 and 鈥渟mashed鈥.
- He continues to hit Lennie despite obvious serious injuries to Lennie.
- He only stops when Lennie crushes his hand, note Steinbeck鈥檚 use of the simileA comparison using 'like' or 'as' to create a vivid image. For example, as big as a whale, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. 鈥淐urley was flopping like a fish on a line鈥.
- Slim has to blackmail Curley to make sure he doesn鈥檛 take revenge on Lennie, "I think you got your han' caught in a machine. If you don't tell nobody what happened ... we'll tell ever'body, an' then will you get the laugh."
Your teacher may wish you to refer to other parts of the novel 鈥 this is not a formal requirement. You may wish to include some of the following points. Remember to find evidence and quotations to back up your opinions.
- Curley suspects Slim of having a relationship with his wife.
- He threatens George but feels it is too even a match and he might lose, so he retreats.
- He does not show any grief after the death of his wife but he wants revenge.
- He organises the men to arm themselves to hunt Lennie and suggests that Lennie die painfully with a gunshot to the guts.
- Curley鈥檚 instant dislike of Lennie when he squares up to him on first meeting, he would have started a fight if George had not intervened.
- He orders Lennie to speak next time he is spoken to.
- Curley鈥檚 attitude to 鈥渂ig guys鈥.
- Curley鈥檚 wife鈥檚 fear of Curley may imply that he mistreats her.