Curley's Power

Does Steinbeck suggest that power comes from the oppression of others?

“ the measure of a man is what he does with power” Playto

As can be seen in the book of mice and men, Steinbecks characters posses power but mainly at the expense of others and with the oppressing they experienced. Playtos quote which relates to the readers perception of the characters when they obtain there power. throughout the novel power is only evident when one is oppress and when the oppressor becomes the force of power. Steinbeck throughout the characters of George, Lennie, Curley, Crooks and Curleys wife Portrays how power is obtained through oppression but also that the oppressed can optain power themselves by inflicting there oppression on others.

It is not
power that urges the characters of Lennie and George to pursue there dream but rather the lack of power. Despite the powers going against them this pushes them onwards to try and achieve there goal. Although they both have the same experience George does have power over Lennie sometimes as shown in the quote “ if i tol' him to walk over a cliff he’d do any dam thing i tol’ him” George has been given the responsibility to look after Lennie for the rest of his life as he made a promise to his aunt. When Lennie gets himself into trouble George realises what a burden he can be sometimes. Although George has power over Lennie he does not posses enough power to get them the farm they want and to live a better life. George sometimes gains more power over Lennie when he abuses him for his own enjoyment. Although he seem Releases that this is not fun hurting him he knows Lennie would not survive without him. Although Lennie is quite physically strong and does have power this physical power and his lack of intellect and his temper lead to killing him in the end. Although George at times gains power at time by oppressing Lennie he is powerless when it comes to the end of Lennie’s life as he had always been able to save him until this time.

When Lennie kills Curley’s wife George releases the only way to help him is to kill him before Curley does. In this scene George has to show his ultimate power and take control of Lennie’s fate. Despite this powerful act George is at his weakest.

Another example of how power is gained through the oppression of others can be seen in the character of Curley .
Curley has the tendency to pick fights especially with people who are much more powerful then he is. He tries to oppress them by his masculinity. Curley is married to a very attractive woman, she is his possession rather then his partner. Steinbeck also adds to his demeaning attitude by not giving her a proper name. Curley has power over her and oppresses her by not letting her socialise with the others on the ranch. Although it seems he does love her “well i’ll tell ya what - Curley says he's keeping that hand soft for his wife” this shows he does make sacrifices but he quickly forgets his love when he attendees the local “whore house” every weekend. Although he oppresses her it does give her power or seeks satisfaction through other
men.

Curley also has power over Lennie and George this power doesn't last long when George allows Lennie to beat up Curley. Lennie breaks Curley’s hand and when Curley cries we once again see how the oppress have gained power

The context of the text portrays the power of money and the hold it can have on the person.
The economy in this text does not allow for the working class to rise above there economic standing. The economic super powers of that time constantly lead everyone for there money. It also required that people would have to work very hard to earn a basic wage. For example George and Lennie have aspired to one day own a farm. There dreams are put on hold due to the comic condition of there country. With this economic power of the white man the novel also portrays the power white man had over the coloured men of that time. Although many white men where not wealthy they still where a step above being a coloured person. For many white men they felt because of this they had power over the lives of coloured people. Aside from the racial power evident in the novel Steinbeck also shows the negative associated with power over another. This can be seen in the relationship between Lennie and Crooks. While also we see that George has quite an amount of power over Lennie and this ultimately leads to Lennie’s demise.

Although the majority of novel deals with power as a negative it also highlights the positive. Steinbeck through the character of Curley’s wife shows us the power of the female sexuality and how it can overpower a dominant male. Although Curley’s wife has the power to seduce many men it also leaves her in a venerable position with men who have no respect for her. The theme of companionship
also allows us to see how it can be a very powerful combination between 2 people. Lennie and George have a very close relationship and it seems like they can face anything once they are together.

In conclusion Steinbeck portarys power as a key aspect in the ranch. He shows different sides of power when he relates Curley to Slim. The oppression of others for the gain of power is emphasised though out the novel in different scenarios.