Although Steinbeck uses all his “Of Mice and Men” characters to criticize society, Curley’s Wife is the character who points out the most glaring flaws. She shows this in her actions, her background, and her attitude towards the men and herself. In the novelette, the reader is introduced to Curley’s Wife as just that. Curley’s Wife, despite being her own person with motives and feelings, is never called by name. In fact, Steinbeck never gives her a name. The men in the story, as she is the only prominent female, know her only as “Curley’s Wife,” implying that she is nothing more than property of Curley. “‘Seen the new kid yet?’ he asked. ‘What new kid?’ George asked. ‘Why, Curley’s new wife.’” (Page 51) Modern society has certainly improved in the ways of women’s rights, but during the Great Depression women were little more than housewives and property of their husbands. John Steinbeck elegantly and discreetly illustrates this fact. Curley’s wife, although seen as a sort of antagonistic figure, is not really the villain of the story. When she is first introduced, …show more content…
By today’s standards, Curley’s Wife grew up in an abusive household. Perhaps not physically abusive, but the way Curley’s Wife describes her mother implies that she was emotionally manipulative and abusive towards her. “‘I always thought my ol’ lady stole it. Well, I wasn’t gonna stay no place where I couldn’t get nowhere or make something of myself, an’ where they stole your letters. I ast her if she stole it, too, an’ she says no’” (Page 88) Sometimes the hardest part of an abusive situation is recognizing the situation for what it is and escaping from it. But even then, the aftereffects of growing up that way, even after receiving modern, professional help, can be immense. Many people are left hollow and fill that hollow shell with anger and resentment. Curley’s Wife’s anger is absolutely justified because of her aching