1. A Nameless Figure: She is never given a name, highlighting her lack of identity and agency within the patriarchal society. She is solely defined by her relationship to Curley. This instantly evokes sympathy, emphasizing her lack of individuality.
2. Loneliness and Isolation: The reader immediately senses her profound loneliness. Trapped in a loveless marriage and isolated on the ranch, she seeks attention and connection, often resorting to flirtation and manipulation. Her desperate attempts to engage with the men highlight her yearning for companionship.
3. Vulnerability and Frustration: While she can be seen as flirtatious and manipulative, Steinbeck also portrays her as a vulnerable and frustrated young woman. She is trapped in a life she doesn't want, yearning for a different reality. Her dreams of becoming an actress and escaping her current situation reveal her deep-seated desires and unmet needs.
4. A Symbol of the American Dream's Failure: Curley's wife represents the failure of the American Dream for women in the 1930s. She is confined by societal expectations and has no control over her own life, ultimately finding herself trapped in a cycle of loneliness and despair.
5. Complex Motives and Actions: While some readers perceive her as a manipulative temptress, her actions can also be interpreted as desperate attempts to break free from her stifling reality. Her interactions with Lennie, while ultimately tragic, reveal a vulnerability and a longing for connection that goes beyond simple seduction.
6. A Tragic Figure: Ultimately, Curley's wife's fate is tragic. She is a victim of the harsh realities of her time, and her death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of societal expectations and the cost of unfulfilled dreams.
By portraying Curley's wife in such a complex and nuanced way, Steinbeck challenges the reader to see beyond stereotypes and understand her as a human being with her own desires, struggles, and vulnerabilities. He forces the reader to confront the injustices faced by women in the era and the tragic consequences of their suppression.