'of Mice and Men'- Curley's Wife

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Section B: Exploring Cultures John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men Question 21- In this passage, what methods does Steinbeck use to present Curley’s wife and the attitudes of others to her? John Steinbeck uses many ways to represent the newly introduced character of Curley’s Wife in ‘Of Mice and Men’. In this passage, George and Lennie have just moved into the ranch and are at the bunkhouse. They have met Candy, the boss, Curley and now, his wife. Having already heard of Curley’s wife from Candy, they are given an impression of girl that seems to be a “tramp”. In the first part of this passage, just before the men’s introduction with Curley’s wife, we see that “both men glanced up, for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off.” It is here that we are shown by Steinbeck that Curley’s wife will play a significant part in this role. Steinbeck uses the method of language to highlight what Curley’s wife will bring to the story. “Both men glanced up” shows that Curley’s wife has caught both of their attentions and they move in a simultaneous manner. The fact that she caught both of their attentions immediately foreshadows her significance later on in the story and the possible attraction one may have to her. “The rectangle in the doorway was cut off” strongly shows the changing mood of the room as it changes to a darker light. The idea that Curley’s wife has “cut off” the light from entering the bunkhouse predicts that she will possibly bring darkness to George and Lennie’s life. The blocking of the light changes the mood of the bunkhouse and the men and creates a foreboding atmosphere yet again foreshadowing the trouble to come. Steinbeck then uses the noun: “a girl” to describe Curley’s wife. Steinbeck uses third person narration to show his opinion of her. “Girl” connotes images of someone innocent and almost childish. The way Steinbeck has described her
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