Ray Carlton
February 26, 2008
Of Mice and Men Literary Analysis
English 10
Steinbeck Condemns Curley’s Wife
In the novella, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck describes Curley’s wife as being flirtatious, unkind, and a troublemaker. Curley’s wife takes advantage of others by using her quick wit and charm but we learn that she is not a nice character by the way she treats and acts towards others. By showing her flirtatious behavior, readers also learn how unkind Curley’s wife is towards others and what a troublemaker she really has become.
Curley’s wife is a flirt by nature. Curley’s wife uses her body to get the guys attention. “She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door frame so her body was thrown forward” (31). Curley’s wife knows by doing certain actions she gets the guys attention. She manipulates Lennie though looks and her actions. “Lennie watched her, fascinated. George said, “ If I see him, I’ll pass the word you was looking for him. “She smiled archly and twitched her body,” “Nobody can blame a person for looking, she said” (31). Curley’s wife knows Lennie can be easily manipulated by her good looks. Curley’s wife likes to have attention. “Lennie tried to disengage his ears.” I never done nothing George. “ No, you never, but when she was standing in the doorway showin’ her legs. You wasn’t lookin’ the other way neither” (32). Curley’s wife dressing provocative helps her get attention.
Curley’s wife is unkind by being mean to people like Crooks. Curley’s wife is cruel towards Crooks. “She turned to him in scorn.” “Listen, Nigger, she said. You know what I can do to you if you open your trap” (80). Curley’s wife disregards humans feelings. Curley’s wife is being racist towards Crooks. “Will you keep your place then

Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easily it ain’t even funny”(81). Curley’s wife doesn’t care about people like Crooks.
Curley’s wife is obsessed with being in the bunkhouse. “Ever’ time the guys is around she shows up. She’s lookin’ for Curley, or she thought she lef’ somethin’ around and she’s lookin’ for it. Seems like she can’t keep away from the guys” (51). Curley’s wife can’t keep away from the bunkhouse. Curley’s wife is a troublemaker by not listening to the guys in the bunkhouse. “Ranch with a bunch of guys on it ain’t no place for a girl, especially like her’” (51). Curley’s wife doesn’t care of what the guys say to her.

Works Citied
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1965.