Character Development of Curley's Wife in of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, explores the lives of migrant workers during the Great Depression. One of the most compelling characters in the novel is Curley's wife, who, despite her limited appearances, undergoes significant character development throughout the story. Through her physical description and interactions with other characters, Steinbeck crafts a complex and multifaceted portrayal of Curley's wife that challenges the initial perception of her as a mere temptress. This essay will analyze the character development of Curley's wife, highlighting her vulnerability, loneliness, and dreams, and ultimately arguing that she is a victim of a patriarchal society.

Vulnerable and Lonely

Curley's wife is first introduced in the novel through her physical description. Steinbeck describes her as a "girl" with "full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes" (Steinbeck 31). This physical description immediately objectifies her, reducing her to her appearance and emphasizing her sexuality. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Curley's wife is more than just a seductive temptress. She is a vulnerable young woman trapped in an unhappy marriage and isolated from the rest of the ranch workers.

Steinbeck portrays Curley's wife as lonely, desperate for companionship, and attention. When she first encounters Lennie and George, she confesses, "I get lonely. You can talk to people, but I can't talk to nobody but Curley" (Steinbeck 87). This admission reveals her isolation and longing for human connection. Despite her flirtatious behavior, it becomes evident that Curley's wife's actions are driven by a yearning for companionship rather than malicious intent.

Furthermore, Steinbeck uses the motif of the color red to symbolize Curley's wife's vulnerability. Her full, rouged lips and red fingernails are not only physical attributes but also representations of her desire for attention. The color red is often associated with passion, but in the case of Curley's wife, it signifies her longing for love and companionship in a world that fails to understand her.

The American Dream and Unrealized Potential

Despite her circumstances, Curley's wife harbors dreams and aspirations. She reveals her desire for a better life when she confides in Lennie, saying, "I coulda been in the movies...I coulda sat in them big hotels, an' had pitchers took of me" (Steinbeck 88). This moment highlights her unrealized potential and her yearning for a life beyond the ranch.

Curley's wife's dreams reflect the shared American Dream of the time, where success and fame were seen as the ultimate goals. Her aspirations humanize her character and challenge the perception of her as merely a temptress. Steinbeck presents her as a woman who, like the other characters in the novel, yearns for a better life, but is ultimately trapped by the constraints of her gender and the society she lives in.

The Victim of a Patriarchal Society

Curley's wife's character development culminates in her tragic demise. When she enters Crooks' room and engages in a heated exchange, she utters the heartbreaking line, "I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny" (Steinbeck 116). This outburst reveals her frustration and vulnerability. In a patriarchal society, Curley's wife is denied agency and power, and her only means of asserting control is through her association with her husband.

Curley's wife's death serves as a powerful commentary on the treatment of women during the Great Depression. She is a victim of both her own dreams and the oppressive society that restricts her. Steinbeck's portrayal of Curley's wife challenges the reader to look beyond the superficial and acknowledge the complexities of her character.

Conclusion

The character development of Curley's wife in Of Mice and Men is a testament to Steinbeck's ability to create multifaceted and nuanced characters. Through her vulnerability, loneliness, and dreams, Curley's wife emerges as a victim of a patriarchal society. Steinbeck's portrayal of her challenges the initial perception of her as a temptress and invites the reader to empathize with her plight. In a world where women's voices were often silenced, Curley's wife's character stands as a reminder of the injustices faced by women during the Great Depression and beyond.

Works Cited

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Books, 1993.