“Of Mice and Men” Curley’s Wife Essay Example

usually indicates danger. “She had full rouged lips... Her finger nails were red... red ostrich feathers on her shoes. ” This also brings across the stereotypical view that women drag men into sin. The way she is dressed indicates she is an outsider, as the clothes she is wearing aren’t suitable for work on the ranch. She is an outsider as she is shown “looking in”. Her body language is deliberately provocative when she leans, “so that her body was thrown forward”.

This suggestive posture reveals her need to be noticed and admired by men. She desires to be the centre of attention; however deep down she is lonely. She claims to be ‘looking for Curley’. She uses this as an excuse to talk to the other men. When Curley’s wife first enters the room, she blocks off the sunlight, metaphorically she is bringing darkness into the lives of the men. The American Dream plays a big part within this novel. Every character has a dream within the novel including Curley’s wife.

She dreams to be a Hollywood actor and to be away from the ranch. Curley’s wife brings reality into the novel. The reality being, that ‘the dream’ is not possible. Just as Curley’s wife is about to leave, George mutters to himself, “Jesus, what a tramp”. This shows that George is quick to form an opinion. Though only hearing a few words from Candy and personally seeing Curley’s wife for a few seconds, he is quick to judge. This also shows men’s attitudes are generally very stereotypical of women.