Essay about Of Mice and Men

Submitted By shwetasethi123
Words: 452
Pages: 2

Of Mice and Men

Curley's Wife is a fascinating character that is often not given the credit she deserves. She is a troubled, unhappy young woman who likely tried to escape an unsatisfying or troublesome childhood by naively marrying Curley. First off, pay attention to her name. She has none! Thi is not an accident, but a very symbolic gesture on the part of Steinbeck. She is not a woman, she is her husband's property. Our first meeting of Curley's Wife is ominous; George instantly views her as a sign of trouble. In chapter 2, shortly after checking in with the boss, George and Lennie stumble upon the young woman, dressed in red, made up and wearing mules with red feathers. the colour of her attire and the style of her hair and makeup suggest some sexuality, as well as a youthful desire to be found attractive. She flirts openly with George, immediately forgetting her mission to find Curley. After she leaves, George catches Lennie staring at her, and immediately chastizes him. This is clearly foreshadowing to the eventual end of the work.In Chapter 4, a new side of this woman is revealed. She is both lonely and hostile. In a confrontation with Crooks, Lennie, Candy and George, she openly admits that Curley has broken her records and lashed out at her in anger. She also turns from victim to abuser when she threatens to have Crooks lynched if he mocks her, disrespects her, or refuses to answer he questions. In this scene, our sympathy for her may disappear, but it helps to bear in mind that her cruelty comes from a places of anger and loneliness.In