How Does Steinbeck Present Curley's Wife

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In the novella “Of Mice and Men” one of Steinbeck’s central character is Curley’s Wife. Steinbeck presents her as a dangerous and powerful due to his language techniques like metaphor, simile and structure. However in a misogynistic society she can also be seen as a lonely and vulnerable character. Steinbeck’s use of symbolism especially towards Curley’s wife creates a dangerous and powerful persona. “…rogued lips…nails were red.” This shows that she is always put together. The recurring colour red symbolizes a sign of danger which makes the readers wary. Steinbeck’s use of repetition emphasis her as a dangerous character. Similarly red can also be seen as the colour of passion and love. “…sausages…red mules… red ostrich” Steinbeck use of …show more content…

“…the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off.” She cuts the light out of the room physically and metaphorically Steinbeck is foreshadowing the destruction of George and Lennie hopes and dream to own “…a fatta lan...” She can also be seen as powerful character because she instantly cuts out light which is a very strong force showing she’s stronger than light, also creating an ominous and dramatic entrance. Steinbecks use of symbolism is used as foreshadow it shows that Curley’s Wife brings destruction into men’s lives by tempting and seducing them in a way they can’t resist which ends the dream for George and Lennie owning a “fatta …show more content…

“…some horses snorted and stomped their feet.” Steinbeck shows a certain level of power asserted by Curley’s Wife that even animals are wary of her presence. Steinbeck also shows a nasty side to Curley’s Wife because she is being ignore by the men she felt vulnerable and lonely. “Listen nigger she said. You know what I can do to you if you open your trap.” She picks one him because of his status in the hierarchy the only thing worse than being a woman in that was being black. Crook’s is the only she can pick on instead of seduce. However Curley’s Wife and Crooks could be seen at the same level in the hierarchy both of them have no names whereas she is just referred to as Curley’s Wife, Crooks had been given a name because of his crooked back. They are also vulnerable due to the men and

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