Topic > Portrayal of Sexism in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Has our culture regarding how women are widely viewed improved? Looking at the book Steinbeck introduces a character called Curley's Wife who is treated badly simply because she was a woman. Steinbeck's portrayal of Curley's wife is his indictment of how women were viewed in 1930s society. Has anything really changed for women since then? In Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck shows how sexism degrades women and creates false public representation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Curley's Wife is a major female character in Of Mice and Men and is clearly married to a character named Curley, a selfish farmer who tries to prove his manhood by arguing with other workers and proving his masculinity by marrying a woman attractive. His name was never mentioned in the book. I believe it was not given any name to emphasize the fact that it was basically owned by Curley. Curley's wife hated the idea of ​​being dehumanized and considered property, of belonging to someone, but she was. Curley had enormous control over his wife, which was very common during the Great Depression era. She forbids any other man from speaking to her due to his jealousy. He degrades and humiliates her in every way possible, but he is still with her because he wants to build a reputation. In addition to being 'property' and not seen as a human being, it must be added that she was a lonely woman in a very aggressive male environment that was not spoken of throughout the book. I believe he didn't have a name because his opinion and gifts weren't important to the ranch. Steinbeck betrayed her as a nobody because she was a nobody at the ranch. When she wasn't in the presence of men, insults were constantly hurled at her. Curley's wife is compared to an animal in an attempt to reduce her being. The men called her a “tramp,” a “bitch,” and a “mousetrap.” Towards the end of the novel, Curley's wife shows a more emotional side to her when she speaks privately with Lennie. He finally opens up and reveals his frustration and repressed emotions. He shouted out loud, "What's happening to me?" I don't have the right to talk to anyone? What do they think I am, anyway? I won't hurt you. It seems like none of them care how I live." She seemed frustrated and being the only woman on the ranch throughout the book, it is clear that Curley's wife is mistreated by the sexist men she lives with and has continued to do so. blamed for her own death. The ranch workers look down on her and often speak very negatively behind her back. Some might say that it is clearly her fault for how she is viewed because of the way she portrays herself publicly. this is just one example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers Get a custom essay I believe Steinbeck wants us to dislike her at the beginning of the book because we only saw her as an arrogant, self-centered girl who needed the. beware of every breeder. You can argue that it fits the stereotype of a tease and makes guys feel better, but what would you do if the man you unwittingly agreed to spend the rest of your life with continually humiliates and humiliates you. does it make you feel bad? and worthless? She was alone and the only man who wasn't afraid to talk to her was her husband and she hated him. She wasn't one of the whores they wanted to be, she was alone and in desperate need of human contact. Loneliness is one of the most devastating feelings you can experience. It was a frequent theme I saw throughout the story.