Of mice and men analysis

English Literature

1. Curley’wife is both a torturer and a victim. Explain why (150 words)

In Of Mice and Men, women are not portrayed very well: they are treated with disregard throughout the whole book. Curley’s wife, who may be seen as a temptress, seems to be a perfect example of this. Despite Steinbeck’s description of her, Curley’s wife is a complex and interesting character.  But she is still called the “tramp,” “tart,” and “bitch” that threatens to destroy male happiness and life in general.

When she told Lennie her dream of becoming a movie star, it makes her more human and much more interesting than the stereotypical lady Steinbeck chosen to portrait.

However, she can also be seen as a torturer. When she feels weak, she likes to search in other’s weaknesses. By mocking Lennie’s mental handicap, Candy’s old age, and the color of Crooks’s skin, she feels like she is the strongest one. She also knows her beauty is her power, and she uses it to flirt with the people in the ranch and to make her husband jealous.

1. Is friendship stronger than anything in this section? Explain with your point of view (150 words)

Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” explores the theme of friendship during the Great Depression.

In this section, Lennie and Candy's dog are connected in the book, as they are both considered "worthless". Their caretakers, George and Candy have a special relationship with them, even when they don’t gain anything from their presence. None of the other farmers understand this relationship, that is why Candy's dog is killed. This is to show how much friendship is important in this book.

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