Of Mice And Men Curley's Wife Analysis

In the novel, ‘Of mice and men’, Steinbeck presents ideas and relationships on the ranch very topical and current of the time the novel is set. This is first evident with the hierarchy presented on the ranch. The character ‘The Boss’ is conveyed as an authoritative figure, which is shown by his first appearance in the novel, when he blocks the doorway. This creates an image of the Boss’ literal figure blocking the sunlight into the room, which could symbolise the freedom of not being dedicated to a job, and therefore the boss, being taken away. He is also shown as stocky and wearing high-heeled boots which all contribute to his imposing and commanding stature, as being stocky further indicates being well-fed and high-heeled boots are a sign …show more content…
Firstly, Steinbeck never gives his audience her name and is therefore merely Curley's 'property' with no individual identity. This is supported by during the time the novel is set, women were a possession of their husbands, and had little free will. Her character is first seen in the doorway of the bunkhouse, asking the whereabouts of her husband, which develops into a conversation with the ranchers. After this occurance, she is described as a ‘jailbait’, which is a rude term for a troublemaker, suggesting that, although seemly innocent, she habitually causes difficulty or problems, perhaps by inciting other men to defy those in authority, through her good looks and flirtatious manner - in her first appearance she is wearing a ‘red cotton house dress’, emphasising her sexual presence as red is often symbolic of love or passion. She is also called a ‘bitch’ by George. This conveys she is thought of as an animal and is dehumanised, relating to the current times where there was little understanding for complex personalities of women and public views of women were either ‘angles in the house’ or ‘whores’ - there was nothing in between. Descriptions such as these could be caused by the fact she spoke to other men, as talking to men who were not their husband was not ‘proper’. Georges views could also be seen as a reflection of his hatred for Curley, again reenforcing the idea of women being possessions of men. Moreover, the relationship between men and women on the ranch is strengthened by the quotation ‘Seems like they ain't none of them cares how I gotta live. I tell you I ain't used to livin' like this.’, stated by Curley’s wife herself. This displays that the men on the ranch, including her husband, have little respect for her wishes, and do not meet her