Theme Of Curley's Wife Character Analysis

Curley develops the theme by trying to hide that he is short by acting more intimidating toward his other fellow workers.“His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hand closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch” (Steinbeck 28). Curley is trying to act more powerful by showing that he is not scared to go in a fight. He knows that if he beats someone that is bigger than him he will be praised for but if he loses a fight, everyone will only tell the bigger guy to pick a fight with someone his own size. Because of this, he shows a strength of intimidation and power toward others. Everyone also knows that he is the son of the boss and so he can do whatever he likes to without getting in trouble. Eventually, Curley picks a fight with Lennie mainly because he thought Lennie was laughing at him when he really wasn’t. We know that Curley likes to pick a fight with people who are bigger than him to show he is not weak. Curley ends up

“Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny” (Steinbeck 88-89). Curley’s wife is secretly lonely and in this case, hides her insecurity by projecting more power towards Crooks. The result of this can be seen in Crook’s expression because he sits quietly and helplessly. Curley’s wife uses Crook’s skin color to her advantage because during that time, black people were oppressed. Although she projects power, it is only to hide her vulnerability. She explains why she is dissatisfied with her life to Lennie and why she is living the way she is now. “Coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes--all them nice clothes like they wear” (Steinbeck 97). Curley’s wife admits she doesn’t actually like Curley and married Curley because she didn’t want ruin her life. This meaning the likely reason why she acts like a tart is only because she wants to feel less lonely and more connected with the people on the