1930’s America was very different than the America that we know today. It was a time where all minority groups, namely African-Americans and women were treated worse, solely because they differed from the status quo. A book that inadvertently highlighted these misdeeds directed towards minorities through the use of symbolism is John Steinbeck’s novel, “Of Mice and Men.” John Steinbeck’s book follows George Milton, a small, smart, and easily angered man, and Lennie Small, a giant man who has a mental disability, but who is very sweet at the same time. George and Lennie go around California doing odd jobs on ranches, and on their latest job, they happen to meet a couple of interesting people. Of these interesting people, they meet Crooks, an
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Although one would believe that John Steinbeck would give her a name, throughout the entire book she is referred to as “Curley’s Wife.” This is clearly written to show that at the time, women were thought of as no more than the property of the man that they were married to. The sexism that she endures goes beyond this, with all of the men constantly thinking that she is going to get them into trouble because she is the boss’ daughter-in-law. The clearest example of this quick judgment sexism is shown when George and Lennie first arrive at the ranch, and Lennie admires her beauty after first meeting her. This open expression of admiration is swiftly shot down by George. “‘Gosh, she was purty.’ [Lennie] smiled admiringly. George looked quickly down at him and then he took him by an ear and shook him. ‘Listen to me, you crazy bastard.’ he said fiercely. ‘Don’t you even take a look at that bitch. I don’t care what she says and what she does. I seen ‘em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jailbait worse than her. You leave her be.’” (36). This quote clearly shows what all of the workers on the ranch think of Curley’s Wife, that she is a piece of property, and to even speak to her would be a death-wish. Also, the language they refer to her as is nothing more than derogatory, using words like “bitch,” and “jailbait.” Curley’s Wife clearly represents the plight that women had to face because of sexism in early 1900’s
Although one would believe that John Steinbeck would give her a name, throughout the entire book she is referred to as “Curley’s Wife.” This is clearly written to show that at the time, women were thought of as no more than the property of the man that they were married to. The sexism that she endures goes beyond this, with all of the men constantly thinking that she is going to get them into trouble because she is the boss’ daughter-in-law. The clearest example of this quick judgment sexism is shown when George and Lennie first arrive at the ranch, and Lennie admires her beauty after first meeting her. This open expression of admiration is swiftly shot down by George. “‘Gosh, she was purty.’ [Lennie] smiled admiringly. George looked quickly down at him and then he took him by an ear and shook him. ‘Listen to me, you crazy bastard.’ he said fiercely. ‘Don’t you even take a look at that bitch. I don’t care what she says and what she does. I seen ‘em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jailbait worse than her. You leave her be.’” (36). This quote clearly shows what all of the workers on the ranch think of Curley’s Wife, that she is a piece of property, and to even speak to her would be a death-wish. Also, the language they refer to her as is nothing more than derogatory, using words like “bitch,” and “jailbait.” Curley’s Wife clearly represents the plight that women had to face because of sexism in early 1900’s