In John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men, the character of Curley's wife is often overlooked and dismissed as simply a flirtatious woman and causing problems. However, a closer look reveals that she plays a central role in her own tragic demise. This essay will look at the circumstances that led to the death of Curley's wife, exploring her motivations, the societal constraints she faced, and the implications of her actions. By analyzing the various factors that contributed to her tragic end, it becomes clear that Curley's wife, although flawed, was a complex and misunderstood character. Topic Sentence: Curley's wife's desire for companionship motivates his actions throughout the novel. Evidence: Throughout the story, Curley's wife constantly seeks attention from the ranch hands and longs for someone to talk to. Analysis: Her loneliness and isolation, resulting from being the only woman on the ranch, causes her to seek connections with others, albeit inappropriately. Curley's wife approaches Lennie in the barn, seeking conversation and validation. Analysis: Her desperation for human interaction leads her to overlook the potential danger of engaging with Lennie, which ultimately leads to her tragic fate. Topic Sentence: Societal norms and expectations placed on women during the Great Depression contributed to the choices and ultimate demise of Curley's wife. feeling isolated and contributes to her reckless behavior as she seeks to assert her own agency and individuality. Evidence: The lack of opportunities for women during this period leaves Curley's wife with no real prospects or dreams. life further exacerbates his desire for companionship and ultimately leads him to make questionable decisions. Topic Sentence: Curley's wife's decision to become involved with Lennie, despite the potential risks, leads directly to his tragic death. Evidence: The flirtatious nature and provocative behavior of Curley's wife stirs up tension between the men on the ranch. Analysis: These actions not only create a hostile environment, but also make her a target for violence. Evidence: When Curley's wife Curley insists that Lennie stroke his hair, he becomes overwhelmed and accidentally kills her. Analysis: Although Lennie's actions were unintentional, the culmination of Curley's wife's choices and the unstable atmosphere of the ranch end up sealing his tragic fate. The tragic death of Curley's wife in Of Mice and Men was the result of a combination of factors, including her desire for companionship, the oppressive societal constraints placed on women, and the consequences of her own actions. Through further exploration of her character, it becomes clear that she is not simply a flirt who causes trouble, but a complex individual yearning for connection and meaning in a harsh and unforgiving world. Examining the motivations and circumstances of Curley's wife provides valuable insights into the human condition, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding. A deeper exploration of this character invites us to think about the societal pressures that continue to shape individuals today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBibliography: Steinbeck, John. Of mice and men. Penguin books, 1993.