Curley's Wife Identity Essay
In ‘Of Mice and Men’, Steinbeck presents uses some of the characters in order to show the effects that race, sex and disability had on status within communities of this particular time period i.e 1930’s. However, some would argue that it still holds value for modern day situations. These are all exploited as weaknesses by Steinbeck throughout the novel.
Curley’s Wife suffers from a lack of identity. Throughout the entire book Curley’s Wife is simply referred to as ‘Curley’s Wife’ and if not, would be referred to by a demeaning name. This gives the sense of her being presented as either an object or possession of Curley’s. From our first introduction to Curley’s wife, we are shown that she is at the bottom regarding society status, simply from being a Woman. However, some …show more content…
of her status can be placed down due to her ‘flirty’ exterior. Candy refers to this when he states “Well, I think Curley’s married… a Tart”. Also, seeing that Candy states “I seen her give Slim the eye…An’ I seen her give Carlson the eye”, also George’s immediate reaction to his first interaction with her: “Jesus, what a Tramp”, gives indication that the other men on the ranch (excluding Curley, who has been stated to be unaware) are aware of Curley’s Wife’s ‘ways’. This can be seen as a reason as to why she isn’t respected and can be considered to be one of the weaker characters of the book.
Another character that suffers due to a lack of Prejudice is the Stable Buck, Crooks.
Crooks is the only African American on the ranch and considering the time period, was unfortunately bound to encounter some form of racism or prejudice. Although Crooks is explained to be a very proud and organised man, due to the discrimination, he is forced to live within the Barn. The racism he has to face, although not being a direct attack at him, due to it being the ‘norm’ of the era, is something that is not intentionally meant to be degrading. Steinbeck would use the literature technique of juxtaposition to present this. A notable example is where Candy says “Ya see the Stable Bucks a Nigger…Nice fella too”. In present time, we are aware of the term ‘Nigger’ being used as a disgusting and derogative term, but in the time period that ‘Of Mice and Men’ is set, it was simply used as a word to describe Black people. The Juxtaposition here shows how Candy would call Crooks ‘Nigger’ and then proceed to say that he was a nice person. Throughout the book, similar to Curley’s wife, Crooks is referenced towards as ‘Nigger’ multiple times. This is a form of labelling, highlighting his low status within the
community.
Similar to Curley’s wife suffering from a Patriarchal and sexist community, and Crooks’ experience with racism and prejudice, Candy suffers from prejudice as a result of his age. Throughout the book, Candy attempts to prove himself as being completely able to commit labour and help around the ranch. Candy’s greatest fear is being thrown out once he is proven to be of no more use. His relationship with his dog is a very unique parallel to George and Lennie. Similar to Lennie, Candy’s dog is completely loyal and dependent on Candy. Similar to George, Candy has a consistently loyal and devoted companion. The death of Candy’s dog is very similar and foreshadows the death of Lennie. Candy’s dog is Candy’s weakness, where Lennie is George’s weakness; although not completely dependent on them, without them, life is completely different.
George and Lennie’s relationship throughout the book is shown to be one of loyalty and complete devotion. In fact, due to their bond and almost ‘brotherly’ like relationship, I could almost go to the extent in saying that their relation revolves around each other. Without one another, their world would almost crumble. This is very true for Lennie, which is explored when Crooks tells him that George abandoned him. During Crooks’ sudden gain in power and status over someone else for once, he takes this time to torture Lennie and take advantage of his weakness: his dependence on George. Crooks exploits this and continues to torment Lennie, making him confused and in denial. This shows how dependent Lennie is on George and how his life would possibly crumble without his presence.
Steinbeck used characters of different backgrounds, sex and ethnicity in order to show the prejudice of the time period and how they are therefore made into weakness, due to the discrimination they’d have to face and encounter.
Curley’s Wife suffers from a lack of identity. Throughout the entire book Curley’s Wife is simply referred to as ‘Curley’s Wife’ and if not, would be referred to by a demeaning name. This gives the sense of her being presented as either an object or possession of Curley’s. From our first introduction to Curley’s wife, we are shown that she is at the bottom regarding society status, simply from being a Woman. However, some …show more content…
of her status can be placed down due to her ‘flirty’ exterior. Candy refers to this when he states “Well, I think Curley’s married… a Tart”. Also, seeing that Candy states “I seen her give Slim the eye…An’ I seen her give Carlson the eye”, also George’s immediate reaction to his first interaction with her: “Jesus, what a Tramp”, gives indication that the other men on the ranch (excluding Curley, who has been stated to be unaware) are aware of Curley’s Wife’s ‘ways’. This can be seen as a reason as to why she isn’t respected and can be considered to be one of the weaker characters of the book.
Another character that suffers due to a lack of Prejudice is the Stable Buck, Crooks.
Crooks is the only African American on the ranch and considering the time period, was unfortunately bound to encounter some form of racism or prejudice. Although Crooks is explained to be a very proud and organised man, due to the discrimination, he is forced to live within the Barn. The racism he has to face, although not being a direct attack at him, due to it being the ‘norm’ of the era, is something that is not intentionally meant to be degrading. Steinbeck would use the literature technique of juxtaposition to present this. A notable example is where Candy says “Ya see the Stable Bucks a Nigger…Nice fella too”. In present time, we are aware of the term ‘Nigger’ being used as a disgusting and derogative term, but in the time period that ‘Of Mice and Men’ is set, it was simply used as a word to describe Black people. The Juxtaposition here shows how Candy would call Crooks ‘Nigger’ and then proceed to say that he was a nice person. Throughout the book, similar to Curley’s wife, Crooks is referenced towards as ‘Nigger’ multiple times. This is a form of labelling, highlighting his low status within the
community.
Similar to Curley’s wife suffering from a Patriarchal and sexist community, and Crooks’ experience with racism and prejudice, Candy suffers from prejudice as a result of his age. Throughout the book, Candy attempts to prove himself as being completely able to commit labour and help around the ranch. Candy’s greatest fear is being thrown out once he is proven to be of no more use. His relationship with his dog is a very unique parallel to George and Lennie. Similar to Lennie, Candy’s dog is completely loyal and dependent on Candy. Similar to George, Candy has a consistently loyal and devoted companion. The death of Candy’s dog is very similar and foreshadows the death of Lennie. Candy’s dog is Candy’s weakness, where Lennie is George’s weakness; although not completely dependent on them, without them, life is completely different.
George and Lennie’s relationship throughout the book is shown to be one of loyalty and complete devotion. In fact, due to their bond and almost ‘brotherly’ like relationship, I could almost go to the extent in saying that their relation revolves around each other. Without one another, their world would almost crumble. This is very true for Lennie, which is explored when Crooks tells him that George abandoned him. During Crooks’ sudden gain in power and status over someone else for once, he takes this time to torture Lennie and take advantage of his weakness: his dependence on George. Crooks exploits this and continues to torment Lennie, making him confused and in denial. This shows how dependent Lennie is on George and how his life would possibly crumble without his presence.
Steinbeck used characters of different backgrounds, sex and ethnicity in order to show the prejudice of the time period and how they are therefore made into weakness, due to the discrimination they’d have to face and encounter.