In John Steinbeck's portrayal of women in the 1930s, particularly through the character of Curley’s Wife in "Of Mice and Men," he highlights the limited roles and pervasive objectification that women faced during this era. Curley’s Wife is often depicted as a mere appendage to her husband, representing a broader societal trend where women were defined by their relationships to men and denied individuality; her lack of a personal name underscores this anonymity and reinforces her status as a mere possession rather than a person with agency. Steinbeck uses her character to illustrate the isolation and desperation many women experienced, as she seeks attention and recognition in a male-dominated world, ultimately revealing the tragic consequences of such cultural disempowerment. Through her loneliness and frustrated dreams, Steinbeck critiques the patriarchal norms of the time, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in a society that often marginalized women.
Author John Steinbeck gives a portrayal on life in the 1930s , and the culture differences between men and women during this time. What is Steinbeck saying about the portrayal and treatment of women during this time, and the portrayal of women through Curley's Wife? Why isn't her first name ever revealed? in one paragraph
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