OMAM Authority

• George has authority over Lennie

  'one stayed behind the other'

  'think I'd allow you to carry your own work card?'
• Curley has authority because he is the boss' son


  He has security as he is the boss' son, power is inherited.
• Curley Leadership Quotes

  'high-heeled boots'

  'terrier'

  'pugnacious'

  'like the boss, he wore high heels'

  'won't ever get canned;

  'he always wins'
• More on Curley's Leadership

  Leadership is terrorizing.

  He is posssessive of his wife - females are objectified.

  Rules through fear not respect.
• Slim's Leadership

  Natural leadership, royalty. Expert in field. Innate confidence, easy leadership. Lionised/glorified. Kind and compassionate in a cold, unfeeling, brutal world of 1930s America.
• Characters who have no authority:

  • Curley's wife - women seen as insignificant. Possession. Referred to with derogatory terms. She says to Crooks, 'I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny.' Ironically, although she has no authority like Crooks, she is cruel. It doesn't encourage her to treat Crooks in a better way.
  • Crooks - racial inequality. Own room, not allowed with the ranch-workers. He holds a 'mauled copy of the California Civil Code.' Educating himself about the law. Steinbeck highlights that this policy was flawed - it has allowed the continuation of racism.
• (continued from Curley and Crooks - no authority)

  Steinbeck highlights that if people, like Curley's wife, are mistreated, it creates a harsh world. (Curley's wife is cruel to Crooks). It creates greater hatred.
• Ranch power structure

  The ranch is represented as having a clear power structure. At the top, are the boss and Curley. The boss has economic power, as he can fire people. At the bottom are Curley's wife and those below her - Crooks, Lennie and Candy.
• The boss

  When Lennie and George were late, Candy says 'he was sure burned.' He warns Lennie and George of the boss' temperament.

  
  

  However, he was generous with whisky at Christmas. He appears to abuse his power only with Crooks. 'He give the stable buck hell too.' Discrimination to Crooks, because of his race.

  
  

  The Boss' power over the ranch highlights the vulnerability of the migrant workers - they could be fired at any time.
• George and Lennie = 'One stayed behind the other.'


  George has intellectual power over Lennie, and is the leader in their friendship. Hierarchy - Lennie follows the leader. George and Lennie rely on each other's strengths, however.
• Crooks

  Crooks has no authority because in 1930s, the views on race are that black people are at the bottom of the chain of power.
• Candy - 'Jus' as soon as I can't swamp out no bunk houses they'll put me on the county.'


  Candy has no authority, and society at the time offers little help to the old and defunct. Once he can't work, there is nothing left for him.
• Curley's Wife - authority (and women context)

  She has no authority - she represents the women in society who are defined by their husbands and have little hope of independence. The women who do work have jobs in cat houses, and they are only able to make money by selling themselves.