How Does Steinbeck Present The Complex Character In Of Mice And Men

Of Mice and Men Character Analysis Essay A man often judges himself by his size. If he is not as tall or muscular as the next man, he may feel inferior to him. This may result in that man developing a “little man” syndrome or Napoleon Complex. In the novel Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck displays this inferiority complex through the character Curley. Because Curley feels inadequate due to his short stature, he tends to dislike those bigger than him, challenges most everyone, and is not remorseful for his negative actions or for what happens to others. Curley displays himself as a most-controlling individual who dislikes those bigger than him. Candy states: Curley’s like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys. He’s alla

Kind of like he’s mad because he ain’t a big guy (26).
The overall theme of Curley feeling inferior to those who are larger than him is clearly noted. Some of the characters in this novel are aware of Curley’s Napoleon Complex, as he is always picking on those that are weak and slow. Curley manages to win even when he loses: S’pose Curley jumps a big guy an’ licks him. Ever’body says what a game guy Curley is. And s’pose he does the same thing and gets licked. Then ever’body says the big guy ought to pick on somebody his own size (28).
This reinforces the fact that Curley always comes out on top, even when he does not deserve to. His relationship with his wife and Lennie reinforce this idea of Curley always picking on the weak and controlling others. He is always challenging others, as well. Curley presents himself in such a way that he always appears to be challenging/confronting someone: His eyes passes over the new men and he stopped. He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch. His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.