Women in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (Essay Example)

“A feminist is anyone who reconizes the equality and full humanity of both women and men” -Gloria Steinem. In the time of John Steinback’s novel of Mice and Men the people were anything but feminists. During this time, in the 1930’s, women were viewed as below men and nothing but possessions for someone to own. It was strongly believed that women were good for nothing other than pleasing their husband’s every need and want. Steinback’s book only includes one female character and she is a perfect example of the unfair life women were forced to live. Through her character the reader can see first hand how isolated and alone women were during this time. Curley’s wife is the most alienated character in the story of mice and men as displayed through her namelessness, physical separation and perception of her by the ohet men on the ranch. 

Curley’s wife is nameless in this story; playing a big role in her alienation. The rest of the characters in the book, all men, are referred to by their names, or nicknames given to them by fellow ranch men. Curley’s wife however, is only referred to as “of Curley’s”. She isn’t given her own identity because she is only seen as Curley’s property. The few other thighs she gets called are derogatory and used to show even further that she is nothing and deserves no respect. By not bothering to know or use her name, the men on the ranch are alienating Curley’s wife. 

Curley’s wife is also physically separated from everyone else at the ranch. The men don’t want her around saying she should instead, “... stay home where she belongs” (67). The only person she is allowed to talk to is Curley; who she doesn’t even like. Readers catch on that she isn’t the biggest fan of her husband because she is always “looking” for him, but it seems like she is trying to get away. Curley's wife herself expresses how being away from everyone all the time makes her get, “...awfully lonely” (86). Since Curley’s wife isn’t given permission to talk to anyone plus they don’t want her around, it’s expected that she would feel isolated and alone. 

The men on the ranch have a very negative perception of Curley's wife. They don’t see her as a person or refer to her in a positive way ever. George often calls her a “rat trap” (32) and specifically tells Lenie to stay away from her because of this. She is perceived as a horrible “bitch” only there to mess everything up for the men. None of them give her a chance or try to get to know her. They only think of her in the way they’ve decided she is. Being perceived badly by everyone around her causes Curley’s wife to be lonely. 

Curley’s wife is the most alienated character in the story of mice and men as displayed through her namelessness, physical separation and perception of her by the ohet men on the ranch. She is in no way viewed as a person all throughout the novel. Curley's wife is treated badly both to her face and behind her back. This was not uncommon in the time period. In fact this was considered normal. All women of the time experienced this sexism. Though it has gotten better, all rights still aren’t fully equal. Curley's wife led a terribly unsatisfying life, but how would it have been for her in 2022?