Steinbeck employs various methods to depict Curley’s wife. The passage begins by highlighting the effect she has on men, as “Both men glanced up.” This introduction emphasizes her value solely in relation to men and signals that Steinbeck portrays her as a tool for their gratification.
Shortly after, the text suggests that the interruption of sunlight in the doorway signifies her imposing nature and represents her as the barrier to a better life. It becomes evident that Curley’s wife is socially isolated when she is described as “a girl standing there looking in,” which metaphorically portrays her feeling of being an outsider within the group.
There are multiple ways to interpret the text. One possibility is that it reflects the gender roles of the time, where women were mainly valued for their sexuality rather than their companionship. Another interpretation is that she desires attention and wants everyone to focus on her, similar to a “girl” even though she is no longer one. This can be observed through her actions of placing herself in sight of others and trying to listen in on their conversation, both resembling childlike behaviors.
Next, Steinbeck portrays her with thick, red lips and eyes set far apart, adorned with layers of makeup. Furthermore, she is depicted wearing a simple cotton dress and vibrant red shoes. Both her glamorous attire and excessive cosmetics contrast with the rugged environment of the ranch, hinting at her desire for a more opulent way of life.
However, it is understandable to sympathize with her attempts to garner attention from other males. It is evident that her own spouse holds no interest in her, leading her to lack self-assurance in being true to herself. Instead, she utilizes makeup as a disguise, concealing her authentic self. Steinbeck frequently alludes to the color red when describing her appearance, including phrases like “red mules,” “red ostrich feathers,” and “red fingernails.” This repetitive use of red may serve as a cautionary symbol for readers since the color often signifies danger and flirtation. Steinbeck might be forewarning us about the troubles that lie ahead involving this character. Furthermore, her attire juxtaposes an innocent cotton housedress with intricate red mules. This complexity within her clothing suggests that there is more depth to her beyond the tough and confident facade she presents.
On the other hand, Steinbeck’s mention of the woman’s voice having a nasal and brittle quality instantly breaks the perception of her as perfect. This serves as a reminder that nobody is able to live up to our ideals of perfection. Furthermore, it highlights the cruelty she has endured in her life and the negative impact of ranch life on women.
Steinbeck reinforces the concept of degraded gender roles during that time by consistently referring to Curley’s wife as “Curley’s wife,” omitting her name and depicting her solely as a possession. This highlights the prevalent practice of dismissing women as mere extensions of their husbands, denying them their own individual identities and rendering them invisible within society. Additionally, this narrative choice also emphasizes her isolation and lack of companionship.
Furthermore, the lack of information regarding her name adds to the enigma, prompting readers to search for a hint about her identity. This absence makes her symbolize one of the mysteries within the book. In addition, Steinbeck’s description of her hair, comparing it to rolled sausages, emphasizes her degradation. This food metaphor suggests that she is seen as an object that exists solely to be consumed.
In addition, there are comparisons made between her and animals. For instance, Steinbeck states that she “bridled a little”, which is an action associated with horses. By portraying her in this way, Steinbeck reduces her to the level of an animal. Through these numerous comparisons, it becomes evident to readers that Steinbeck prefers the marginalized and poor, just like the character in question.
When Lennie admires her figure, Curley’s wife states, “Nobody can’t blame a person for lookin’.” This quote reveals her arrogance and satisfaction with the attention she is getting. The description that reads “her body was thrown forward” and “She smiled archly and twitched her body” underscores the notion that she lacks control and power over herself, acting without intention or will.
The text suggests that Steinbeck may be implying that Curley has eroded the confidence of his wife and that she uses makeup as a substitute. When Curley is mentioned, she becomes worried and quickly leaves the bunkhouse, revealing the control he has over her. This highlights Curley’s panic and inability to conceive of his wife interacting with other men, despite his own unfaithfulness. Additionally, this moment emphasizes the intense and fast-paced nature of migrant workers’ lives on the ranch. In the novel as a whole, Steinbeck employs Curley’s wife to convey important ideas about society during that time period.
Steinbeck depicts a segregated and broken era of the 1930’s in the novel. This was a time of high unemployment due to the economic crisis of the Wall Street Crash. Employers hired individuals based on their social standing, further perpetuating the existing social hierarchy. Additionally, women were often degraded and viewed as nothing more than objects of sexual pleasure. Steinbeck highlights this treatment through the character of Curley’s Wife. She is portrayed as a constant pessimist, reflecting the reality of how women during this time were never treated as equals.
Curley’s wife struggles to accept the reality of her situation, as indicated by her statement “Think I don’t like to talk to someone ever”. Steinbeck makes use of her denial and society’s norms to portray a character who believes she is on par with men. By relentlessly seeking attention and empathy, she evokes sympathy and helps readers comprehend her predicament. However, due to the way she is treated, her lack of empathy towards and association with the ranch workers becomes evident, manifesting through her offensive language: “a nigger an’ a dum-dum and a lousy ol’ sheep”.
In this situation, she exploits the fact that she is higher than a man in the social hierarchy. She enjoys the unique sensation of having power and demonstrates how the cycle of abuse can reverse (assuming Curley physically abuses his wife). By using offensive language, she emphasizes her desire to establish herself as more important and significant than anyone else, as was the prevailing societal norm at that time.
Steinbeck depicts the female character as independent and defiant in her relationships with men other than Curley, challenging societal norms. She exhibits no fear towards Crooks’ reaction despite her anger outburst. This portrayal evokes both pity and empathy from the reader, as it suggests that her only source of worth and confidence as a woman in the 1930s is through seeking companionship.
Steinbeck leaves Curley’s wife as the sole woman on the ranch, making it challenging for her to form friendships. This suggests that it may have been viewed as a sign of weakness for men to have platonic relationships with women, highlighting the significance of others’ opinions during that era. Consequently, she attempts to establish more than just friendships with the men in order to receive the compassion that she lacks from her husband, Curley.
Throughout the text, Steinbeck allows Curley’s wife to use colloquialisms like “Baloney!” many times. This choice of language conveys her anger and frustration towards the workers’ lack of trust in her, and women in general during that time period. Steinbeck also uses Curley’s wife as a tool to illustrate the limited role of women during the ‘Great Depression’ era. Despite having dreams and aspirations like everyone else, women were forced to abandon them and forget about the possibilities of fulfilling their American Dreams. Surviving in the 1930s meant accepting this reality and adapting one’s life accordingly. Despite her attachment to the dream of becoming a Hollywood actress, it is implied that Curley’s wife had no better options but to marry him because he owned a farm. She accepted this opportunity despite knowing his deceit and the hardships of ranch life; she appears unsatisfied and trapped in a loveless marriage.
Steinbeck implies this idea by sarcastically stating, “Sure I gotta husban’. You all seen him. Swell guy ain’t he?” This suggests that she possesses insight and intelligence, challenging the assumption that all women are unintelligent, as assumed by men during that time.
