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

John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, dives into the lives of migrant workers during the Great Depression. One of the most interesting characters is Curley's wife. Even though she's not in the story much, she goes through a lot of changes. Through how she's described and her interactions with others, Steinbeck shows she's more than just a flirt. This essay will look at how Curley's wife changes, showing her vulnerability, loneliness, and dreams. In the end, we'll see she's really a victim of a male-dominated society.

Vulnerable and Lonely

Curley's wife is introduced with a physical description. Steinbeck calls her a "girl" with "full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes" (Steinbeck 31). Right away, this makes her seem like just a pretty face, focusing on her looks and sexuality. But as the story goes on, it’s clear she's more than just a tease. She's a young woman stuck in a bad marriage and cut off from the other ranch workers.

Steinbeck shows Curley's wife as lonely, craving company and attention. When she first meets Lennie and George, she admits, "I get lonely. You can talk to people, but I can't talk to nobody but Curley" (Steinbeck 87). This shows how isolated she feels and how much she wants to connect with others. Even though she acts flirty, it’s clear her actions come from a need for companionship, not from bad intentions.

Also, Steinbeck uses the color red to show Curley's wife's vulnerability. Her red lips and nails aren't just about her looks—they show her desire for attention. Red usually means passion, but for Curley's wife, it shows her need for love and companionship in a world that doesn’t get her.

The American Dream and Unrealized Potential

Despite everything, Curley's wife has dreams and hopes. She tells Lennie she wanted a better life, saying, "I coulda been in the movies...I coulda sat in them big hotels, an' had pitchers took of me" (Steinbeck 88). This moment shows her unused potential and her wish for a life beyond the ranch.

Her dreams reflect the American Dream of that time, where success and fame were the big goals. Her aspirations make her more human and challenge the idea that she's just a flirt. Steinbeck shows her as a woman who, like the others, wants a better life but is stuck because of her gender and society.

The Victim of a Patriarchal Society

Curley's wife's character development ends tragically. When she goes into Crooks' room and has a heated exchange, she says, "I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny" (Steinbeck 116). This shows her frustration and vulnerability. In a male-dominated world, she's denied power and can only assert control through her husband.

Her death is a strong comment on how women were treated during the Great Depression. She's a victim of her dreams and the oppressive society she lives in. Steinbeck's portrayal of her challenges readers to see beyond the surface and understand her complexities.

Conclusion

Curley's wife's character development in Of Mice and Men shows Steinbeck's skill in creating complex characters. Through her vulnerability, loneliness, and dreams, she stands out as a victim of a male-dominated society. Steinbeck challenges the initial view of her as a flirt and makes readers feel for her. In a world where women's voices were often silenced, Curley's wife is a reminder of the injustices faced by women during the Great Depression and beyond.