Steinbeck incorporates many thematic elements in Of Mice and Men. He portrays his message through his characters as they develop in the novella. Steinbeck uses these thematic ideas that are relevant today. The thematic ideas span from dreams and reality to gender issues.
Steinbeck incorporates gender and issues which are very relevant in today’s society. He is misogynistic in his description of Curley’s wife. He goes as far as to describe her as a prostitute, “I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her” (Steinbeck 68). He implies that she brings trouble to the men at the ranch. Her isolation leads her to seek attention in men. She is seen as an object and not treated as an equal. She understands this role, although it makes her unhappy.
Steinbeck incorporates gender and issues which are very relevant in today’s society. He is misogynistic in his description of Curley’s wife. He goes as far as to describe her as a prostitute, “I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her” (Steinbeck 68). He implies that she brings trouble to the men at the ranch. Her isolation leads her to seek attention in men. She is seen as an object and not treated as an equal. She understands this role, although it makes her unhappy.