The first way Steinbeck shows that Curley’s wife is a victim is by showing her dislike for Curley. In the novel, a lot of information was given when Curley’s wife was speaking to Lennie. Steinbeck states, “Well, I ain’t told nobody this before. Maybe I ought’n to. I don’ like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella.” (page 89). During the great depression, in society, it was not “proper” to be a woman at the age of 17 living at home. Women were expected to already be married and having kids. Chances are Curley’s wife is probably 18 or 19 years old. No woman that age wants to be married to an older man like that taking into consideration that Curley is somewhere in his late 20’s or early 30’s. Now we know that Curley’s wife dislikes Curley. Curley’s