Everyones hoping for Curleys wife, here are some last minute pointers!!
Curley’s wife is the only main female character and she does not have a name, showing the derogatory nature in which men viewed women at that time.
She is only presented as a possession belonging to her husband, Curley’s trophy wife. Women are a temptation to men.
Lennie and George’s dream does not include women.
The first reference to Curley’s wife is when Candy describes her to George as a “tart,” suggesting she is provocative.
The “red fingernails… rouged lips… red mules… red feathers” that she is wearing could also symbolise danger.
Steinbeck, reinforces the vulnerable view of Curley’s wife when she “hurried away” seconds after hearing about Curley’s whereabouts.
She interrupts Lennie’s, Crook’s and Candy’s daydreaming, she destroys dreams.
She is mean and says how the other men “left all the weak ones here.”
Curley’s wife created an uncomfortable atmosphere at the end of the scene when the horses “snorted” and the “halter chains rattled.”
Curley’s wife then talks to Lennie.
The way that Curley’s wife insists on Lennie talking to her shows her desperation.
Curley’s wife knows that Lennie isn’t listening to her as she confides in him making it more tragic.
Lennie moves “cautiously close to her.” And ends up killing her
We feel sorry for her as she dies.
The redness now symbolises beauty, not danger
The moment of peace after her death shows that she has broken free of the cycle.
Good Luck guys