The Objectification and Mistreatment of Women in 1930s Society
Steinbeck's portrayal of Curley's wife serves as a stark representation of the treatment of women in 1930s America. The author uses various literary techniques to highlight the pervasive sexism and objectification that women faced during this period.
One of the most striking aspects of Curley's wife's characterization is her lack of a proper name. Throughout the novella, she is referred to only in relation to her husband, effectively stripping her of her individual identity.
Highlight: Being unnamed like this throughout the novella dehumanizes her and almost strips her of her identity.
The language used by other characters to describe Curley's wife further emphasizes the misogynistic attitudes of the time. She is referred to using derogatory terms such as "rattrap," "tramp," "bitch," and "jailbait," underscoring her status as a victim of societal injustice.
Vocabulary: Jailbait - A derogatory term used to describe a young woman, or girl, considered sexually attractive but too young to engage in sexual activities legally.
Steinbeck also explores the theme of domestic control and potential abuse through Curley's relationship with his wife. The author hints at Curley's controlling nature and the possibility of an abusive marriage through subtle cues in the text.
Example: Curley's wife becomes "suddenly apprehensive" when she realizes Curley is looking for her, suggesting a fear of her husband's reaction.
The author further illustrates the objectification of women through Curley's treatment of his wife as a possession to be flaunted. The detail of Curley wearing a "glove fulla vaseline" serves as a crude symbol of his view of his wife as a sexual object and a means to assert his superiority over the other men on the ranch.
Even in death, Curley's wife is not free from judgment and blame. The reaction of characters like Candy, who calls her a "tramp" and suggests she brought her death upon herself, reflects the deeply ingrained misogyny of the era.
Quote: "What a tramp" and "everybody knows you'd mess things up."
Through these various elements, Steinbeck crafts a powerful critique of the sexism and mistreatment of women in 1930s America, using Curley's wife's character as a lens through which to examine these societal issues.
