In the movie version she was a damsel in distress. If you're interested in learning more about Curley's wife, I've provided a link to a copy of a letter that Steinbeck wrote to an actress who was playing Curley's wife in a stage adaptation of the story. Before Curley's wife leaves, what does she notice about Lennie? It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. Or was she just a lonely girl looking to have real conversations and to be noticed? Lennie is innocent in that hes naive about the ways of the world. In summary, these brief comments are the only comments Lennie makes about Curley's Wife. He then disappears from the barn with the dead puppy in hand. In the book Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, there are some characters who are good, and some who are bad. When he first meets her, he says that she is "purty," and then soon thereafter says, "Gosh, she was purty.". I chose Curley for no empathy because, Curley didnt care about anyone except for his wife, and I think that Curley didnt even care about her wife, it was just lust. He grabs a hold of her hair and muffles her screams. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. As a result, he broke her neck. [P2] The death serves as a reminder of the incredible strength Lennie had and shows how he (tragically) misused it. When George questions Candy for the reason he acts that way, Candy . The person most responsible for Lennies death is George. Lennie is responsible for killing Curley's wife because he did it. Being the only woman on the farm and her past, resulted in her being depressed and lonely. Curleys wife is introduced just like any other; however, the emphasis on her feminine features are metaphoric to where women stand in society. and that times women were treted not as they are treated now .She Instead of companionship for George, there is a future of loneliness. Curley's wife is depicted as a manipulator and a temptress throughout Of Mice and Men. What does curley's wife tell Lennie about her past? How Did Critics React to Of Mice and Men? In Chapter 5, Lennie is sitting alone until Curley's wife enters. As she talks, she moves closer, confiding in him about the life she might have had. But was she? Many of the male characters on the ranch feel threatened by her, calling her jailbait because she is flirtatious. Curley's wife is terribly lonely. George was also influenced by his dream of protecting Lennie. treated him as if he was her closest friend ,but Lennie was warried He goes out and gets George, who asks him to give him a couple of minutes so the other men don't think he was involved. After Lennie kills Curley's wife, George shoots him in the back of the head to protect him from what would have been a horrible death at the hands of Curley and the other men. Curley's wife tells Lennie of her life and her missed opportunity to travel with the show that came through her hometown. She wears too much makeup and dresses like a "whore" with red fingernails and red shoes with ostrich feathers. Lennie is crying because he has killed his puppy. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# George and Candy call her by other names such as "jailbait" or "tart." Although Lennie is the one who physically kills Curley's wife, Of Mice and Men consistently shows that Lennie is not to blame for her death. Lennie tries not to be drawn into a conversation with Curley's Wife, and tells her it's because "George says you'll get us in a mess." Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Lennie's innocence is what originally draws Curley's wife to him, but his strength will be her downfall. Georges actions in the end of the book results in him murdering Lennie. In fact, Curley's wife leads to all of the trouble Lennie has on the ranch. On page 98 Curley says Hes got Carlsons Luger. George says, She yells and we got to hide in an irrigation ditch all day with guys lookin for us, and we gotta sneak out in the dark and get outta the country (13). No mess at all, and when the end of the month come I could take my fifty bucks and go into town and get whatever I want" In this quote George talks about all the things he could do if he was alone, he could just abandon Lennie if he wishes too, but he chooses to stay, because he has sympathy for Lennie. Lennie responds absently with concern about his dream farm and the rabbits he will have. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Upon meeting Curly's wife, Lennie is immediately attracted to her, calling her "purty." George is immediately alarmed by this, and with uncharacteristic vehemence, he instructs Lennie to. Following his comment, Curley's wife chatters on, explaining more about her lost chance to become an actress and how she met Curley. Curley's wife says he can get another one. Crooks is also a lonely character he is willing to take any chance if he can make a friend, even if he knows he can't do help out. Candy Candy comes into the barn to talk to Lennie and finds Curley's wife. This is largely due to his intellectual disability, which makes it difficult for him to understand other people or anticipate the consequences of his actions. Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, takes place during the time of The Great Depression; an era extremely difficult for women. bookmarked pages associated with this title. George is supportive of and helpful to Lennie as a friend should. Curley treats George and Lennie poorly when he first meets them. Latest answer posted August 09, 2017 at 8:49:59 AM. Later in the novel, Lennie is in the barn with a puppy that he has Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Hearing the horseshoe game outside, he understands that someone will come in sooner or later and discover the bad thing he has done. Worried that George will find out and won't let him tend the rabbits, Lennie buries the dead pup in the hay and says that he will claim to have found it dead. This shows that George is caring because he got Lennie out of a dangerous situation. Following his comment, Curley's wife chatters on, explaining more about her lost chance to become an actress and how she met Curley. George has lied about the Luger because he has taken it; he does not want to admit this act as the men will believe he is involved in Curleys wifes death and hurt him, too, and he will not be able to accompany the men and intercede for Lennie when they find him, or to take action on his own. As the story continues, there are many hidden indications that she could be seen as a much simpler, innocent presence, rather than an evil. How Did George Kill Lennie's Death In Of Mice And Men. Describe Curley's wife. What did Lennie do to curleys wife? Curley's wife is a critical character in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. She starts to regret living there because of the way they treat her. Lennie becomes so angry that he hurls the dead puppy across the barn. A struggle ensues Lennie panicking and Curley's wife's eyes "wild with terror" until her body flops "like a fish" and then she is still. Lennie has a soft spot for touching soft things, this has caused him to make outrageous action like killing Curleys Wife: "I like to pet nice things with my fingers, sof' things." (Page 90). This represents the hopelessness of men like them. 2011-09-05 20:43:43. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Steinbeck has said that this is because she isn't a person, she simply exists to be a danger to Lennie. Curley objectifies his wife by threatening the other men, monitoring her movements, and dismissing her individual needs. In the first chapter of Of Mice and Men, what does George say to Lennie about how his life could be better without him? Steinbeck's initial portrayal of Curley's wife shows her to be a mean and seductive temptress. What did curley's wife confide in Lennie? How are Lennies two visions indicative of his childlike innocence? When Lennie is holding the dead puppy, he looks at it and says, You aint so little as mice. Candy says they need to let Lennie get away because Curley will lynch him, but George realizes how hopeless escape would be. She is extremely lonely and views Curley as mean-spirited. . [P3] The manhunt ultimately results in the death of Lennie. Latest answer posted November 19, 2020 at 6:35:21 PM. In Chapter 5, Curley's lonely wife finds Lennie in one of the stalls, stroking his puppy that has died, probably because he has handled it too much. He thinks that Curleys wife. How I first felt about her in chapter 2 is that, I thought she was kind of bossy and I honestly knew that I was going to hate her. He is upset at the puppy for dying. He was willing to lie about being Lennies cousin to get him a job. Before he breaks her neck, he puts his hand over her mouth to muffle her screams, and says angrily to her that "You gonna get me in trouble." The reactions to her death start a manhunt against Lennie. They treat her wrong because in this novella they only calls her Curleys wife they never called her by her name so no one will ever know what it was. Curley's wife tells Lennie that she only married Curley because she didn't want to stay in a place where she couldn't get anywhere, and she doesn't even like Curley, and she chose to confide in Lennie because she thinks he's not one to tell for fear that it he does he will get in trouble with George. In Chapter 5, Lennie is sitting alone until Curley's wife enters. When she continues to struggle, Lennie grows angry. The death of Curley's wife is also symbolically important and represents the futility of dreams. Curley's wife knows her beauty is her power, and she uses it to flirt with the ranch hands and make her husband jealous. George goes to the bunkhouse. He is mad at the puppy because it died and he throws the puppy at the wall. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. companionshipt with Lennie. She is the only woman on a ranch full of grown men who work all day, I can see how she could get lonely and seek attention to herself to pass the time. We are mapping the world's opinions to help improve civil discourse. Curly's wife married him because she wanted to escape her mother. In the book Of Mice and Men, the character of Curley's wife best captures the isolation felt by so many characters because she is the only woman on the ranch and her husband has forbidden everyone from talking to her, she really is the loneliest person on the ranch. Is Lennie guilty of killing Curleys wife? Removing #book# Indeed, the gentle giant's final downfall is caused because of the vain wife. Lennie feels guilty about the death of Curleys wife. Accessed 4 Mar. When George Killed Lennie Is Wrong 758 Words | 4 Pages. Both of them start to talk, and Curley's wife launches into a discussion of her own failed . Chapter 5. Lennie has a mental disability, making him dependent upon George to manage day to day life in the difficult environment in which they live and work. He tells George that she is pretty, and he tells her that he can't talk to her because she'll get him "in a mess," which he tells her again just before he breaks her neck. Curley was also rude towards everyone and, he even attacked people who he thinks were with her wife. Lennie kills Curley's wife completely by accident. She is utterly alone on the ranch, and her husband has seen to it that no one will talk to her without fearing a beating. She gets angry because she doesn't understand why she cannot talk to anyone besides Curley. More books than SparkNotes. In Of Mice and Men, how and why does Lennie kill Curley's wife? The protagonists of the novella, George and Lennie, are heading to work at a ranch after fleeing from their last job.. Lennie is fascinated by her and cannot take his eyes off her. And then about a year later when Lennie accidentally killed Curleys wife, the whole farm was after him. One of the handfuls of characters with impairment in this book is Curley's Wife. For example, in Of Mice and Men George tells Lennie, No, Lennie. Well, I can go away, said Lennie. She stays, however, and again asks him what he is covering up. It would be easier to carry a dead puppy than a dead woman to hide. Course well shoot im. https://velvetblory.co.uk/post/11076202092/steinbecks-letter. The fact that Lennie anticipates the same pattern this time is indicative of his childlike innocence. Her dreams make her more human and vulnerable. Why was the decision Roe v. Wade important for feminists? He panicked and shook her and when he stopped, she was dead. Alive, she is connected to Eve in the Garden of Eden. When his Aunt Clara died, Lennie just come along with me out workin. with Curley. And it's her who. What happened to Lennies puppy? When Lennie first sees Curley's Wife, he comments that she is pretty, or "purty." Even Lennie is guilty of crimes and petty cruelty, and no one is above being awful to others. She lets Lennie stroke her hair, but she panics when she feels his strength. Curley, carrying a shotgun, tells Carlson to take Crooks' shotgun, and the men leave, taking George with them to find Lennie. Curleys wife states I tell you I aint used to livin like this, I coulda made somethin of myself. (Steinbeck 88). Although Curleys wife is beautiful and young, she is naive and dangerous as George knew from the beginning. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Having a wife shows possession of power and a higher rank., She is objectified and embarrassed by her husband, linking to the lack of respect for women in the 1930s. Curley's wife tells Lennie of her life and her missed opportunity to travel with the show that came through her hometown. When she begins to scream, Lennie covers her mouth with his hand. When looked at more in depth, Curleys Wife can be seen as a victimized character. George knows that he has to kill Lennie in order to protect him. to led, and that she is not happy in an unfulfilling relationship A stomach wound results in a most painful death. She is clearly starved for conversation and launches into a reprise of her discontented story of what might have been. Thats a thing I want ya to know (Steinbeck 106). Lennie is certainly strong; in the very opening of the book he is described as a bear and is constantly referred to in animal terms. And also because she could be doing better in her life instead of sitting around being bored and only being able to associate with Curley. How does Curley feel after the fight with Lennie? Of mice and men book. George has no family, so having a friend with him gives him purpose in his troublesome life. But in the movie she was in a very different situation. Everyday we are influenced by our goals or dreams. He also says Im gonna shoot the guts outta that big bastard myself, even if I only got one hand. These quotes prove that Curley doesnt care if he kills someone, or how that person feels. Lennie, who gets frightened and uses his strength to hold on to objects, is just like a child. How long do you keep a Suboxone pill under your tongue? Curley's wife is lonely as we know, and we know that she is childish she says "sometimes when I brush my hair I like to stroke it for a little while". If George and Lennie hadnt run away, Lennie could have suffered a terrible fate. Someone once said, A villain is just a victim whose story hasnt been told. The character known as Curleys Wife in Of Mice and Men is portrayed in John Steinbecks writing as an antagonist. When Lennie started touching her hair, she got upset and started screaming. Notice that Lennie's face is bloody and bruised up from the fight with Curley. He shakes her violently, telling her to keep quiet so that George doesn't hear her. A struggle ensues Lennie panicking and Curley's wife's eyes "wild with terror" until her body flops "like a fish" and then she is still. Also, when George and Lennie were talking to each other at their camp spot George said, I could get along so easy and nice If I didnt have you on my tail. By saying this, it shows his willingness to give up some good in life for another person. In the depression stricken 1930's, George Milton and Lennie Smalls are saving money until they can buy their dream homestead. Lennie becomes angry with Curley's wife because he is afraid she will tell the other men that he touched her and he will get in trouble. When she continues to struggle, Lennie grows angry. One is Aunt Clara who scolds Lennie for letting George down and not listening to him. What happened to Lennie's puppy? This dream comes to a screeching halt when Lennie kills the boss's son's wife. For example in Chapter 5, when Lennie is in the barn, getting all flustered and frustrated because he had just killed the pup on accident because he was play fighting with him, Curleys Wife came in, and started bothering him. Every character takes the opportunity to not be lonely even if they know that they're going to get hurt. Lennie would not fare well in a prison setting, nor would he be able to defend himself if Curley or the other men attempted to hurt him. After all, Lennie is a big man, and Curly figures that fighting him will either raise his stature amongst the men. Curley shows his vindictive nature in recommending that Lennie be shot in the stomach. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? In the article Im not a tart, Meester, the actor who plays Curleys wife on Broadway, has an interesting opinion to this girl without a name. For example, he also said, I could. When Curleys wife screeches and shouts when Lenny will not let go of her hair, he shakes her violently to make her stop, yet he does, Curleys wife begins to regret living on the ranch with Curley. They dream of roots, stability, and independence. What does Lennie think of Curley? Curleys wife was murdered by Lennie in John Steinbecks story, Of Mice and Men. She tries talking to Lennie, Crooks, and Candy, but they want her to leave. More books than SparkNotes. He then, at her invitation, starts stroking her hair, commenting "that's nice," before he accidentally breaks her neck after she starts screaming when he strokes too hard. What does the title Of Mice and Men mean? A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? What happened between Lennie and Curleys wife in the barn? Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# She starts to wish that she would have lived somewhere else and became an actress. He was scared that George would get mad at him and not let him tend the rabbits. He made Lennie think that their dreams could come true to make him happy, even though George knew that it wasn't possible. Curley's wife is a. Got kinda used to each other after a little while. (40) George takes care of Lennie because Lennie is his friend; George does not have to, but he wants to. Curley's wife basically confided the future she would have liked Carlson and Curley return, and Carlson claims that Lennie has stolen his Luger. Why does Curleys wife get angry at Lennie in Chapter 5? She lies dead on the hay. The text states, "'That big son-of-a-bitch done it. See answer (1) Copy. he woulda took his pay and raised hell in the whore house, and he coulda set in a pool room an played snooker, but he gotta take care of you (Page#101, Steinbeck). In the barn scene, however, Steinbeck softens the reader's reaction to Curley's wife by exploring her dreams. What are the 4 major sources of law in Zimbabwe. Shortly after having thrown the puppy, Lennie picks it up again, stroking it and deciding that maybe George won't care. When Slim asks George where Lennie might be, George tells Slim Lennie would have gone south (knowing all along that the little pool is north of the ranch). George is not being deliberately hurtful to his friend, however, he simply sees the danger that the two interacting could pose. George also made Candy feel better when his dog died. "tend them rabits" if he talks to her. The death of Curley's wife sets off a chain reaction for the events that close out "Of Mice and Men". It's her fault Curley enters the bunkhouse when Lennie crushes the small man's hand. and any corresponding bookmarks? What are two examples showing how Lennie is discriminated against because of his disability in the book Of Mice and Men? He accidentally broke her neck while trying to calm her down. Picking up the dead pup, he leaves to go to the hiding place. Of mice an men film (1992)
Curley's wife is the only female character who is directly featured in the novel. Immediately after killing Curley's wife, Lennie travels back to his hidden meeting spot by the river and waits for George while Curley leads a lynch mob after him. Lennie had to be killed because he didnt know his own strength. Lennie is responsible for killing Curleys wife because he did it. DEROGATORY depiction of Curley's wife by Curley., Characterisation of Curley's wife is based on her appearance . When Curleys wife is killed, George knows that Curley will likely torture and kill Lennie. People who are murdered should not get the blame for the killer's actions when not due. If Lennie hadn't killed Curley's wife, he would have done something else to upset Curley, leading to his eventual death or the permanent loss of his and George's dream. The four people responsible for Lennies death are George, Curleys wife, Lennie, and Curley. In the letter, Steinbeck explains the character from his perspective. In chapter five, George suggests to put Lennie in jail, but Slim, a jerkline skinner, quickly shot that down by saying that it would not be right if he was strapped down, and locked up in a cage, (5,9). Eventually, she brings about the end of the dream of Eden, the little farm where George and Lennie can live off the fat of the land. This basically proves and enforces the reality that Lennie influences almost every part of Georges life. Curley immediately blames Lennie, saying he will go for his shotgun and shoot Lennie in the guts. Lennie killed it by snapping its neck because he thought the puppy was going to bite him. Why does Lennie kill Curley's wife? Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife by shaking and breaking her neck. Curley objectifies his wife by threatening the other men, monitoring her movements, and dismissing her individual needs. George, realizing Lennie's fascination, warns him to stay away from her. I mean not the way she died, but I was glad it happened because like I said before I hated her, because she always caused trouble and never, In the novel Of Mice and Men, it strongly sets a devastating scene towards the end, yet what was done was necessary. In the first section, George scolds Lennie for petting mice until they die. She understands his fondness of soft things. Latest answer posted December 31, 2020 at 3:22:45 PM. He tells Lennie about the 'little place' that they are going to get with 'a cow' and the 'little piece alfalfa' that is 'for the rabbits'. Her death at Lennie's hands means the end of George and Lennie's companionship and their dream. And Candy is lonely character the reason being that he had a best friend who later dies, Candy is feeling less of use he is willing to do anything to feel useful. I could go get a job an' work, an' no trouble. George cares about everyone, he makes them feel good, George is the only one who is thoughtful, compared to everyone else, the others mostly care about. Lennies death paralleled Candys dogs death because they were both considered burdens. Had Curley found him, he would have exacted his revenge for both breaking his hand earlier in the novel, and for murdering his wife, he says "I'm gonna get him. The death of Curley's wife comes as a tragic result of Lennie's ignorance of his strength. This also shows that George could have had a good life, even a better life if his dream of being able to take care of Lennie did not become a burden upon himself and influenced his life so greatly. George shot him in the temple of his head for a quick and painless death. from your Reading List will also remove any He did this . How do you draw a princess easy for kids? from your Reading List will also remove any Some people have coarse hair. She said this, not knowing that Lennie likes to pet soft things. Then she had let him touch her hair, causing him to grab on and him basically killing her. He doesn't mean to do it; as always with Lennie, he doesn't . First, when George was introducing himself and Lennie to their new boss, he said, I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. This shows that George was portraying that he cares about Lennie enough to be picked up on by others. As she tries to get her hair away from Lennie, he becomes scared and holds on more tightly. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. http://www.gradesaver.com/of-mice-and-men/study-guide/summary-chapter-five. Her death also is a reminder of the incredible strength Lennie held and how incapable he was at managing it. He didnt mean to harm, or scare her. Curley's wife is promiscuous and prettyshe dresses in a provocative. George has no responsibility to take care of Lennie, yet George is willing to do anything for Lennie. Meester states that John Steinbeck isnt being outright. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. Curleys wife regrets marrying her husband and strives for attention by flirting with the workers on the ranch. He is angry and vengeful not only because his wife has been killed, but also because Lennie had gotten the better of him previously, in the confrontation in which his hand was broken. According to the text All the time he coulda had such a good time if it wasnt for you. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. She is defined by her role: Curley's wife or possession. Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife by shaking and breaking her neck. I chose Curley, George, and Curleys wife , because I thought they were the most interesting characters in this book. The most ironic thing about this scene is that her death is that it is preceded by a moment of human connection. This quote shows that George is killing Lennie for Lennies own good. and didnt want to talk to her because george wouldn't let him to Why does Lennie become angry with Curley's wife? Also, she just wanted anyone who would talk to her and listen to her. The death of Curley's wife is ultimately unimportant to the novel's outcome since it is clear that George and Lennie were never going to achieve the American dream and live on a farm of their own. Lennie was touching Curley's wife's hair when he went too far, and touched her too hard. Later in the novel, Lennie is in the barn with a puppy that he has accidentally killed, and Curley's Wife walks in. when she did not receive a letter from 'producer of the movies', She is portrayed, like the girl in Weed, as a liar and manipulator of men. Ill go right off in the hills an find a cave if you dont want me.. Of Mice And Men Curley's Wife Lonely 878 Words | 4 Pages. She is lonely and 853 words Read More Outline For Of Mice And Men Loneliness Essay Essay Outline What does Curley's wife say she could have done to Crooks? George is immediately alarmed by this, and with uncharacteristic vehemence, he instructs Lennie to stay away from her. What quotes show that Crooks is lonely in Of Mice and Menby John Steinbeck? Curleys wife didnt take him seriously ,but he was the only A bit hurt and confused, Lennie points out that George was looking at her too. Curleys wife did not know that day in the barn would be her last. Everyone is equal boy are girl, black are white, handicap are not so we should be treated as so. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Do ACE inhibitors cause shortness of breath? What happened after Lennie kills Curley's wife? Who scolds Lennie after he kills Curleys wife? He is worried that he won't be able to tend te rabbits. On page 90, Curley's wife said When I do my hair sometimes, I jus set an stroke it cause its so soft. To show this she did it, she ran her fingers over the top of her head. He keeps repeating "she's purty." In Of Mice and Men, innocence is the only quality that can keep a man from becoming old, lonely, and bitter. Curley's wife observes that Lennie is "[j]us' like a big baby" (99) and invites him to stroke her soft hair. Lennie, however, is still trying to figure out how to get rid of the dead pup so that George won't know. Her "best laid plans" involved a stint in the movies with all the benefits, money, and pleasure that would provide.