Lennie and Curley are from different classes in the American social structure. Curley, as the son of the ranch boss, will one day become a land owner through inheritance and not necessarily through hard work. In the social structure of the ranch, Curley might be considered part of the upper class because he was born into money. Lennie, on the other hand, would be considered part of the lower class, not only because he is poor and travels to find work, but because he is mentally handicapped. Unlike Curley, Lennie will never inherit land, but through hard work, he and George could be able to "get a little place".
Both Lennie and Curley act without thinking. Each reacts to situations rather than taking the time to think things through. Lennie reacts to fear by clenching down on whatever is in his grip (a girl's dress, a mouse, Curley's hand, a puppy, and Curley's wife's hair). Each instance becomes progressively worse throughout the novella. Curley's reactions lead to similarly destructive situations (a poor relationship with the ranch workers and with his wife, a fight with Lennie that leaves him crippled, and murderous intentions when his wife is killed), but it's his anger that drives him.
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