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Of Mice And Men Curley's Wife Character Analysis Essay

932 Words4 Pages

John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men follows two migrant farmers and their experiences working towards their dream. The story takes place in the Salinas Valley during both the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, when jobs were few and far between. George and Lennie have a dream of owning land, which is inhibited by these conditions. On the farm they come to work on, they meet the sultry wife of the Curly, the boss’ son. She was deprived of achieving her dream or stardom, and is left constantly craving attention in any way she can get it. Steinbeck’s characterization of her through her appearance, words, and what is said of her show how following one’s dreams is an essential part of life. Steinbeck’s description of Curley’s wife’s appearance makes her seem very enticing and sexual. However, she isn’t as promiscuous as her “full, rouged lips” would imply (16). She yearns for the life she missed out on, …show more content…

She is constantly searching for her husband, hoping that she can turn “any of you boys seen Curley” into a conversation starter (38). In some cases it works, but she is usually quickly shut out. The only time she manages to get in more than a few words with the men is in the barn with Lennie, where Steinbeck reveals a side of her not seen elsewhere in the book. Throughout the rest of the story she is put together and composed, a mirage sent from Old Hollywood, but here she is blatantly upset, wondering “what’s the matter with me?”(43). A part of her shines through that isn’t usually seen. She’s hurt, her dreams are crushed, seemingly by “[her] ol’ lady”, and instead of being a beloved actress, she’s stuck on a farm where nobody will speak to her for fear of her husband(44). She “coulda been in the movies” and yet she’s trapped on this farm (44). The only time she seems hopeful is when she mentions the possibility of her dream coming true (43). She reveals her true aspirations through the rare moments she gets a chance to

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