What students have said in the past

The Question

'Of Mice and Men': page 34 - 35


Part a)
In this passage, what methods does Steinbeck use to present Curley's wife and the attitudes of others to her?


Part b)
How does Steinbeck present attitudes to women in the society in which the novel is set?

Student A:
When Curly's wife is first introduced she seems innocent but as George put it she is 'jailbait'. She is like Tiger, cute from far away but if you get too close she will bite your head off.

Interestingly the candidate did quite well, despite their analogy. This extract provides evidence for the point they are making about George so it is 'supported'.


Student B:
Curley's wife is a total slapper, going on to the men and almost offering herself; she really is a 'tart' and deserves her fate.

Another interesting view, put rather colloquially. How else might you word the same point?


Student C:
Curly's wife is portrayed as a 'tart' and referred as such by George, his opinion of her reflects the view of women at the time that Steinbeck seeks to establish, that they were undervalued and actually regarded in a violently negative manner. George's view of Curly's Wife reveals that even George, a man we respect and admire, is victim of the popular male view that women should play the roles ascribed to them. He calls her a 'tramp' and 'jailbait', his view indicates both that she is worthless and dangerous. Men at the time found it difficult to find work due to the Great Depression and George is especially worried that a woman like Curly's Wife could endanger them and their 'dream', George's warning to Lennie reveals this fear: 'don't you even take a look at that bitch'.

At each point the candidate has supported their point with a quotation and then developed their point using evidence again and again.