Curley’s Wife Character Analysis

The only woman on the ranch, Curley’s wife is viewed as a “tart” by the men who surround her. Young, lonely, and desirous of attention, Curley’s wife spends her days roaming around the ranch looking for someone to talk to—even though she knows that the men all around are reluctant to talk to her for fear of incurring the wrath of her jealous husband, Curley. Curley’s wife regrets the path her life has taken, and laments having missed her chance to move to Hollywood and become a movie star. To make up for her misery and loneliness, she tries to connect with other people, but finds herself thwarted at every turn. She even attempts to bond with Lennie by trying to connect with him over their shared love of soft, nice things. But when she lets Lennie stroke her hair, she becomes frightened by his strength and starts screaming, prompting Lennie to suffocate and shake her until she dies. Curley’s wife, like Lennie and Crooks, lives an existence defined by solitude and marginalization.