Curley's Wife: A Symbol of 1930s Female Oppression
Curley's wife in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" embodies the struggles faced by women in 1930s America. Her character illustrates the pervasive sexism and limited opportunities available to women during this era.
Highlight: Curley's wife is often described as "jail bait" and a "rattrap," emphasizing the dangerous perception of women in this society.
The Hollywood dream of becoming a movie star represents her desperate attempt to escape the confines of her life. However, she ends up controlled by her husband instead, reflecting the limited autonomy women had at the time.
Quote: "I get awful lonely," Curley's wife confesses, revealing the isolation she experiences as the only woman on the ranch.
Her flirtatious behavior and constant search for attention from the men on the ranch stem from her deep-seated insecurity and loneliness. This behavior, however, leads to dangerous consequences, including fights and potential job losses for the men.
Vocabulary: "Flirtatious" refers to behaving in a way that suggests a playful sexual attraction to someone, often without serious intent.
Steinbeck's physical description of Curley's wife is significant, emphasizing her use of makeup and red clothing to attract attention. This portrayal underscores the limited ways women could assert themselves in a male-dominated society.
Example: Curley's wife wears red ostrich feather shoes, linking her to the "girl in weed with red dress" that Lennie remembers, foreshadowing future events.
