Has our culture improved the way women are widely perceived? Looking at the book, Steinbeck introduces a character named Curley's Wife who is treated poorly simply because she was a woman. Steinbeck's portrayal of Curley's wife is a critique of the way 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 public misrepresentation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the 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 farmer egoist who tries to prove his manhood by arguing with other workers and proving his masculinity by marrying a pretty woman. His name was never given in the book. I believe it was not given a name to emphasize the fact that it was essentially Curley's property. Curley's wife hated the idea of ​​being dehumanized and considered property, as belonging to someone, but she was. Curley had enormous control over his wife, which was very common during the era of the Great Depression. He forbids any other man from speaking to him because of his own 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 considered a human being, it must be added that she was a lone woman in a very aggressive male environment who remained anonymous throughout the book. I believe she didn't have a name because her opinion and gifts weren't important to the ranch. Steinbeck betrayed her like she was nobody because she was nobody at the ranch. When she was not in the presence of men, insults were constantly thrown at her. Curley's wife is compared to an animal in an attempt to reduce her being. Men called her a “vagabond,” a “slut,” and a “rat trap.” Towards the end of the novel, Curley's wife shows a more emotional side of her when she speaks with Lennie in private. She finally opens up and reveals her frustration and pent-up emotions. She shouted out loud, “What’s wrong with me?” Don't I have the right to talk to anyone? What do they think I am anyway? I'm not doing you any harm. Seems like they don't care how I was able to live.¨ She seemed frustrated and as the only woman on the ranch throughout the book it is clear that Curley's wife is mistreated by the men sexists with whom she lives and has continued to do so. to be blamed for her own death. The ranch hands look down on her and often talk very negatively behind her back. Some might say that it is clearly her fault that she is perceived because of the way she presents herself publicly. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay I believe Steinbeck wants us to dislike her at the beginning of the book because we only see her as an arrogant, self-centered girl. who needed to attract the attention of all breeders. It can be argued that she 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 puts you down and makes you you feel ugly. and worthless? She was alone and the only man who wasn't afraid to talk to her was her own.