How Is Curley's Wife Presented In Of Mice And Men

The language used by characters in John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men helps to develop their characters and personalities. Curley’s wife’s playful dialogue establishes her as lonely and flirtatious, which directly contrasts Slim’s authoritative language that develops his influential and compassionate traits. Curley’s wife comes across as desperate and lonely from when she is first introduced. As soon as she walks in the door, she exclaims ‘“Oh!” She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door frame so that her body was thrown forward. “You’re the new fellas that just come, ain’t ya?”’ (Steinbeck 31). From her excessive kindness towards George and Lennie to her body language, Curley’s wife is clearly looking for attention from the men in the barn. Following her unsubtle entrance, she attempts to strike up a conversation regarding Curley’s whereabouts. After being told that he is not in the

Before Candy’s dog is shot, Slim stated ‘“That dog ain’t no good to himself. I wisht somebody’d shoot me if I got old an’ a cripple.” Candy looked helplessly at him, for Slim’s opinions were law’ (Steinbeck 45). The matter-of-fact tone, and the mention that “Slim’s opinions were law” demonstrates how influential and respected he was among his peers. Because of his serious persona, Slim is also called in to break up the altercation between Lennie and Curley. While Slim can be commanding and intimidating, he also has a very caring and compassionate side to him. After George shoots and kills Lennie, Slim comforts George by telling him ‘“Come on, George. Me an’ you’ll go in an’ get a drink.” … “You hadda George. I swear you hadda. Come on with me”’ (Steinbeck 107). This dialogue expresses Slims care for George, as he realizes how close he was to Lennie. Slim is the only character that fully understands and values George, as well as appreciates his