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In John Steinbeck's novella "Of Mice and Men," the character of Curley's wife plays a significant and multifaceted role. Steinbeck portrays her in various ways throughout the narrative, utilizing different literary techniques to influence the reader's perception. Curley's wife is a complex character whose nature is shaped by her circumstances, and Steinbeck uses language, color and light symbolism, and incongruity to reveal her character.
For the majority of the novel, Curley's wife is often labeled in a negative manner, depicted as a treacherous and flirtatious character.
This negative portrayal can be seen as a reflection of the societal view of women during that era. Steinbeck presents her through the lens of how men perceive her, emphasizing her role as an object of desire. The men on the ranch refer to her as a "tart," "jailbait," and even a "bitch," reflecting the hostile and misogynistic environment of the ranch.
Curley's wife's isolation and discrimination are evident throughout the story.
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She seeks companionship on the ranch, as her marriage to Curley does not provide the emotional fulfillment she desires. She often attempts to engage with the other men, but they dismiss her, considering the ranch an inappropriate place for a woman. This reflects the prevailing gender roles of the 1930s, where women were expected to stay at home and raise families rather than engage in physical labor.
Curley's wife's loneliness and frustration are palpable, as she laments, "none of them care how I gotta live." In Chapter 5, she opens up about her loneliness, saying, "I get lonely" and "I get awful lonely." Steinbeck uses repetition to emphasize her isolation and her desperate need for human connection.
This portrayal reveals a more vulnerable and sympathetic side to her character.
Furthermore, in this chapter, Curley's wife exhibits kindness and compassion when she consoles Lennie, demonstrating her capacity for empathy. However, the reader may question the authenticity of this behavior, as it is followed by a return to her flirtatious manner. Throughout the novel, similar to Crooks, Curley's wife remains unnamed, highlighting her lack of identity on the ranch and her status as her husband's property.
Despite her initial negative portrayal, Curley's wife undergoes a transformation towards the end of the novel. In Chapter 6, following her tragic death, Steinbeck describes her appearance in a profoundly different light. Her face no longer carries the meanness, discontent, and desire for attention. Instead, she appears innocent, pure, and very pretty. Her rouged cheeks and reddened lips make her seem alive, and her curls are described as tiny little sausages, emphasizing her youthful and sweet appearance.
This transformation is significant as it challenges the reader's earlier perceptions of her character. It suggests that Curley's wife was not inherently negative but was shaped by her circumstances and the harsh environment of the ranch. Her unfulfilled dreams and the loneliness she experienced ultimately led to her tragic fate.
Throughout the novel, Steinbeck presents a dichotomy in the portrayal of Curley's wife, oscillating between negative labels and moments of vulnerability and innocence. This oscillation forces readers to question their judgment of her character and consider the impact of societal expectations and isolation on her behavior. In the end, Steinbeck's portrayal of Curley's wife as a complex and tragic figure highlights the themes of loneliness, discrimination, and the dehumanizing effects of the society depicted in the novella.
Although Steinbeck may seem to condemn Curley's wife at times, there is a deeper layer to her character that suggests she is, in many ways, a victim of her circumstances. Her marriage to Curley, a possessive and aggressive man, confines her to a life of isolation and unfulfilled dreams. She is, in essence, trapped in a loveless marriage that contributes significantly to her loneliness and desire for companionship.
Moreover, her longing for attention and the constant flirtatious behavior can be seen as a desperate cry for connection in an environment where she is largely ignored and excluded. Steinbeck portrays her as someone who craves conversation and interaction, as evidenced by her statement, "Think I don’t want to talk to somebody ever’ once in a while? Think I like to stick in that house alla time?"
Her interactions with Lennie, the mentally disabled ranch hand, reveal a gentler side of her character. She attempts to engage with him in a friendly manner, showing kindness and empathy. When she consoles Lennie and speaks soothingly to him, it becomes evident that she possesses qualities that have been overshadowed by her reputation as a troublemaker.
However, Curley's wife's efforts to connect with the ranch workers are consistently thwarted by the prevailing prejudices and gender biases of the time. The men on the ranch view her presence as a distraction and a temptation, reinforcing the idea that women were only desired for their physical attributes rather than their companionship. This gender discrimination ultimately contributes to her feelings of isolation and despair.
The tragic end of Curley's wife serves as a poignant commentary on the limitations placed on women in the 1930s. Her untimely death, caused by a series of unfortunate events, highlights the vulnerability of women like her in a society that restricted their opportunities and stifled their aspirations.
In Chapter 6, as her life comes to an end, Steinbeck describes her appearance in stark contrast to her earlier portrayal. Her face loses the meanness and discontent that had defined it, and she appears innocent and pure. Her rouged cheeks and reddened lips symbolize her unfulfilled dreams and desires, which will forever remain unrealized.
The use of the word "stopped" in the description of the moment after her death emphasizes the finality of her fate and the abrupt end to her dreams. The silence and stillness that envelop the scene evoke a sense of tragedy and loss. It is a moment that lingers, forcing readers to reflect on the societal forces that shaped Curley's wife and led to her demise.
In "Of Mice and Men," John Steinbeck masterfully crafts the character of Curley's wife to illustrate the complexities of gender discrimination and societal expectations in the 1930s. While initially portrayed in a negative light, she ultimately emerges as a victim of her circumstances, trapped in a loveless marriage and yearning for connection.
Steinbeck's portrayal of Curley's wife challenges readers to reevaluate their perceptions and consider the impact of societal norms on individual lives. Her tragic end serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations placed on women during that era and the toll it took on their dreams and aspirations.
Through Curley's wife, Steinbeck invites us to explore themes of loneliness, discrimination, and the enduring quest for understanding and connection in a world that often overlooks the complexities of the human spirit.
Curley's Wife in "Of Mice and Men": A Complex and Tragic Figure. (2016, Nov 20). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/how-does-steinbeck-presents-curleys-wife-in-of-mice-and-men-essay
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